MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 26 APRIL 2023 — In recognition of the outstanding contribution of local artists, filmmakers, and institutions to Philippine cinema and the cultural identity of Filipinos, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) held the first-ever annual awards event “Parangal ng Sining” on April 23 at Seda Hotel, Quezon City.

Through “Parangal ng Sining” (Honor of the Arts), the FDCP aims to give honor and respect to Filipino creatives and stakeholders for championing the Philippine film industry and gaining widespread acclaim for their respective works.

Filipina actress Dolly De Leon received critical acclaim for her breakthrough performance in the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme D’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” and became the first Filipina actress to receive nominations from the Golden Globe Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTA). For her significant contribution to world cinema and invaluable representation of the Filipino identity, De Leon was given the Gawad Lente: Annual Achievement Award by the FDCP for this year’s Parangal ng Sining.

Another recipient of the Annual Achievement Award is veteran actor Soliman Cruz, whose extensive filmography in the Philippine entertainment industry made him one of the most prolific and respected actors in the country.  His lead role in the Romanian film “To The North” premiered at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where it received standing ovations from the audience and won the Premio Bisato D’Oro 2022.

Filmmaker Martika Escobar is the first Filipino director to be awarded with the Special Jury Prize for Innovative Spirit at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival for her debut feature-length film “Leonor Will Never Die.” The FDCP honored her with the Annual Achievement Award for her experimental and world-class storytelling, as well as her homage for Philippine cinema in the aforementioned film.

Moreover, the FDCP honored those who have dedicated their lives to the growth and development of Philippine cinema with Gawad Lente: Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Ms. Vilma Santos, Mr. Nick Deocampo, Ms. Lily Yu Monteverde, and Cinemalaya.

Vilma Santos-Recto, widely known as the Star For All Seasons, has made significant contributions to the local entertainment industry with her numerous and often memorable roles in Filipino films and television shows. For the longevity of her career as a distinguished actress and the lasting impact of her roles on Filipino audiences, she was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the FDCP.

The FDCP also honored Lily Yu Monteverde, represented by her daughter and Regal Entertainment’s Vice President Roselle Monteverde at the ceremony, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for fostering the growth of Philippine mainstream cinema and producing well-loved Filipino blockbuster films such as the “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” movie franchise. Widely known as Mother Lily, she has continuously given opportunities for homegrown talents to thrive in the entertainment industry and contribute to the legacy of Philippine cinema.

Film historian Nick Deocampo is an advocate for preserving and restoring Filipino films, and his substantial research on Philippine cinema emphasized the importance of remembering our cinematic history. The FDCP has chosen him as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his scholarly study of Filipino films to raise awareness and appreciation of our cinematic past for future generations of Filipinos. He was represented by his nephew Teddy Tan, Jr. at the awarding ceremony.

Lastly, the Cinemalaya Foundation was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for championing Filipino independent filmmakers and providing them with a significant platform to showcase their films at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.  Cinemalaya continues to foster Filipino filmmakers’ artistry and proves that local independent films can reach diverse audiences without compromising their creative freedom and distinct Filipino identity.

Hosted by TV personality Robi Domingo and graced with performances from notable Filipino singers Jason Dy, Ana Feleo, Roselle Nava, and musical group 92AD, “Parangal ng Sining” is an initiative of the FDCP to gather Filipino artists and stakeholders for the celebration of Philippine cinema. It aims to recognize the meaningful role of cinema in preserving and fostering Filipinos’ collective identity and cultural heritage.