Kubrador" got the approval of critics who
gave the film its Best Picture citation, crediting its
outstanding cinematic and artistic values.
Its success is attributed to the fine
direction of Jeffrey Jeturian, who was named Best Director and
the impressive performance of Gina Pareño, who earned the Best
Actress honor. Her strong contenders were Cherry Pie Picache for
"Kaleldo," Maricel Soriano for "Inang Yaya," and Judy Ann Santos
for "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo."
An overwhelmed Pareño declared, "Apat na
dekada bago
ko nakuha ang Urian. I will treasure this. I love this."
Then she quipped, "Ang career ko mas matanda pa sa
Urian."
Jeturian scored his very first Urian
directorial award after seven films. "Kubrador" also won Best
Production Design for Leo Abaya and Best Cinematography for
Roberto Yniquez.
Another highlight that night was the Best
Actor plum shared by two actors – character actor Mark Gil for "Rotonda"
and come backing actor "Rustom Padilla" for his gay superhero
role in "Zsa ZsaZaturnnah."
Action star Robin Padilla presented the Best
Actor award to the delight of brother Rustom, who was emotional
in his acceptance speech. He dedicated his trophy to his mom, "Alam
kong naniniwala siya na maari akong maging marangal na tao at
mahusay na aktor." To his brother Robin, he said, "Tol,
maraming maraming salamat. I’m so proud of you."
Another surprise was the winning of new
mother Meryl Soriano of the Best Supporting Actress award for "Rotonda,"
besting veteran actors Gloria Diaz and Gina Pareño for "Kasal,
Kasali, Kasalo"; Liza Lorena for "Inang Yaya"; and Tessie Tomas
for "Rome & Juliet."
The Best Supporting Actor trophy went to
Rafael Rosell for his commendable acting as a local politician
engaged to one of the female leads in "Rome & Juliet."
Other nominees in this category were Ping
Medina for "Tulad ng Dati," Allan Paule for "Kaleldo," Epy
Quizon
for "Rotonda," and Soliman Cruz for "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo."
Producer and industry leader Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda
of the legendary Sampaguita Pictures was this year’s recipient
of the Natatanging Gawad Urian for lifetime achievement.
The honorary citation was presented by
Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino and Butch Francisco. Other
winners were Best Short Film "Putot"; Chris Violago and Connie
S.A. Macatuno for Best Screenplay ("Rome & Juliet"); John Torres
for Best Editing ("Todo Todo Teros"); Vincent De Jesus for Best
Music ("Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah") and Ronald Asis for Best Sound ("Tulad
ng Dati").
Adding glitz to the exciting awards show were the musical
numbers by international artist Billy Joe Crawford and divas Kuh
Ledesma and Regine Velasquez. Comedians Jose and Wally spoofed
selected scenes in the films nominated in this year’s Gawad
Urian.
