The Superstar shines anew.

Nora Aunor once again made history as she clinched her eighth Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Actress trophy for her role as a Badjao midwife in the internationally acclaimed movie Thy Womb.

She bested fellow nominees Angel Locsin and Angelica Panganiban of One More Try, Janice de Belen of Shake Rattle & Roll 14 and Judy Ann Santos of Si Agimat Si Enteng Kabisote at si AKO.

The historic feat makes her the most awarded actress in the 38-year history of the MMFF. She also holds the distinction of being the only recipient of the MMFF Best Performer award in 1978 for the movie Atsay—which is equivalent to Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor awards.

Nora again won the festival’s Best Actress award in 1979 for Ina Ka ng Anak Mo, 1982 for Himala, 1984 for Bulaklak sa City Jail, 1990 for Andrea, Paano Maging Isang Ina, 1991 for Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. and the last one in 1995 for Muling Umawit ang Puso.

In her acceptance speech, Nora reaffirmed her commitment to her craft.

“Bilang artista, kahit lima na lang ang nanonood ng pelikula ko, patuloy pa rin akong gagawa ng makabuluhang pelikula [As an artist, even if there are only five persons who will watch my show, I will continue to make films],” she said

Thy Womb won a total of seven awards including Best Director and Best Production Design for Brillante Mendoza, Best Original Story for Henry Burgos, Best Cinematography for Odyssey Flores and special citations as The Most Gender Sensitive movie and the Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award.

Ironically, even though Thy Womb won the second most number of citations, the movie is still in danger of being the first to be pulled out from the theaters because of poor box office sales.

This probably prompted Director Brillante to appeal to the public to watch their movie during his acceptance speech.

Dingdong Dantes, on the other hand, enhanced his reputation as one of the premiere actors of the current generation after winning the Best Actor trophy for the second consecutive year for the movie One More Try.

He beat fellow nominees Laguna Gov. Jeorge E.R. Ejercito-Estregan of El Presidente, Vice Ganda of Sisterakas, Herbert Bautista of Shake, Rattle and Roll 14 and Bembol Roco of Thy Womb.

One More Try also bagged the Best Picture award, with El Presidente as the second best and this years’ festival top grosser Sisterakas as third.

The Star Cinema produced drama won five other awards including Best Editing for Vito Cahili, Best Screenplay for Anna Karenina Ramos, Best Child Performer Award for Miguel Vergara and the first FPJ Memorial Award.

The Laguna governor’s historic film El Presidente, won the most number of awards with eight including 2nd Best Picture; Youth Choice Award, Best Sound, Best Musical Score, Best Theme Song, Best Make Up, Best Festival Float and Best Supporting Actor for Cesar Montano
The MMFF Gabi ng Parangal was held on Thursday at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City and was hosted by Kris Aquino and KC Concepcion.
 
Full list of winners of the 38th MMFF:

Best Actress: Nora Aunor, Thy Womb

Best Actor: Dingdong Dantes, One More Try

Best Picture: One More Try
2nd Best Picture: El Presidente
3rd Best Picture: Sisterakas

Best Director: Brillante Mendoza, Thy Womb

Best Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano, El Presidente

Best Supporting Actress: Wilma Doesnt, Sisterakas

Best Original Story: Henry Burgos, Thy Womb

Best Screenplay: Anna Ramos, One More Try

Best Special Effects: Shake, Rattle & Roll 14: The Invasion

Best Production Design: Brillante Mendoza, Thy Womb

Best Editing: Vito Kahili, One More Try

Best Cinematography: Odyssey Flores, Thy Womb

Best Make-up: Warren Munar, El Presidente

Best Theme Song: apl.de.ap and Jamir Garcia, El Presidente

Best Musical Score: Jessie Lazatin, El Presidente

Best Sound: Michael Idioma, El Presidente

Best Child Star: Miguel Vergara, One More Try

Best Float: El Presidente
Youth Choice Award: El Presidente