Nadine wins second FAMAS Best Actress plum

Nadine Lustre proved her undeniable acting prowess again and solidified her status as a cinematic force to be reckoned with as she clinched her second FAMAS Best Actress award on Sunday night.

She held her first FAMAS trophy in 2019 for Viva Films' box office drama-love story, “Never Not Love You,” and four years later, for a very different role in “Greed.”

Lustre played Emily in “Greed,” a woman driven by ambition, desire, and an unyielding hunger for success. Emily is a character that defies easy categorization, embodying both vulnerability and strength, allowing the actress to explore the intricate nuances of human emotions on the big screen.

Nadine Lustre wins her second FAMAS Best Actress award, this time for ‘Greed.’ PHOTO FROM VIVA ARTIST AGENCY

However, the 2023 Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards belonged to “Family Matters,” with the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival entry sweeping the most recognitions.

Produced by Cineko Productions and Top Story, the compelling family drama dominated the awards night, securing an impressive four trophies, including the coveted Best Picture title. Director Nuel Naval guided the film to victory, while Noel Trinidad, who played an aging family patriarch longing for more time with his brood, shone brightly as he received the Best Actor award.

Nikki Valdez's exceptional talent as the devoted daughter was recognized with the Best Supporting Actress accolade, giving another win for the film, along with Best Editing by Beng Bandong.

Despite the family drama's sweep, the rich diversity of Filipino cinema was well represented nonetheless, with “Blue Room,” a remarkable entry from the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, also claiming its fair share of recognition. Earning three awards, Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan bagged the Best Director award, Neil Daza was recognized for Best Cinematography, while Mikey Amistoso and Jazz Nicolas won Best Musical Score.

“Reroute,” another Viva Films movie, also garnered significant recognition, with Best Sound Design and Sid Lucero taking home the Best Supporting Actor award.

“Leonor Will Never Die,” which had its world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, secured Best Production Design, while “La Traidora” earned the Best Screenplay accolade.

FAMAS also bestowed a series of special awards:

Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: Lito Lapid

Susan Roces Celebrity Award: Liza Lorena

Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award: Jun Urbano

German Moreno Youth Achievement Award: Jillian Ward

FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award: Marita Zobel

FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service: Martin Romualdez

Most Outstanding Public Service Award: PM Vargas