Judy Ann Santos. Image: Facebook/MMFF
While it’s been days since she was named Best Actress at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Judy Ann Santos admitted that she’s still in disbelief after receiving the award in its 50th edition.
Santos was named Best Actress for her performance in the MMFF 2024 entry “Espantaho,” winning over fellow nominees Aicelle Santos, Francine Diaz, Jane De Leon, Vilma Santos and Julia Montes.
Shown holding her trophy, Santos spoke about her win on her Instagram page on Monday, Dec. 30, saying her recent milestone was surreal.
“Hindi ko pa rin mapaliwanag. Sa totoong salita, napakasurreal pa rin ng mga pangyayari sa’kin. Sa lahat ng awards night sa maniwala man or hindi, may parte ng puso mo na hindi ka maniniwala pero may parte ng puso mo na kumakapit na sana,” she said.
(I still can’t explain what I feel. In other words, what happened to me was surreal. Believe it or not, you would get a feeling of not believing in your potential to win an award in every ceremony. But there’s a part of you that would hold on to hope.)
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The actress also acknowledged the “beautiful” MMFF entries in its 50th edition while praising the acting prowess of its stars. “Anything can happen kasi 10 napakagandang pelikula na may mga mahuhusay na artista.
“Ang cliche sabihin na mapabilang ka sa history ng MMFF 50, ‘yun pa lang ang sarap ng pakinggan. Pero makapag-uwi ka ng award na ganito kabigat in this historic MMFF, walang kapantay, walang kapalit,” she continued. “It’s so good to be part of this history. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na naiuwi ko siya at kasama ko sa sa pagtulog niya ngayon.”
(Anything can happen because the MMFF has 10 beautiful entries with great actors. It’s cliche to say this, but to be part of the MMFF’s 50th edition is wonderful to hear. But to bring home an award in his historic MMFF, the feeling is indescribable and irreplaceable. It’s good to be part of this history. I still can’t believe I brought home this award and am able to sleep with it.)
Santos was congratulated by filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone in the comments.
The 2024 edition of the annual film festival marks Santos’ third time to snag the Best Actress title. She also bagged the award for her performances in “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo” (2006) and “Mindanao” (2019).