Actors Piolo Pascual, Julia Montes, and Charlie Dizon were the big winners in the acting category of the 7th Eddys Awards (Entertainment Editors Choice) held at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City Sunday night.

"About Us But Not About Us" starring Romnick Sarmenta and Elijah Canlas emerged as Best Picture while its director, Jun Lana, was lauded as Best Director.

Piolo won Best Actor for portraying three characters in the serial horror-thriller film Mallari, which was also a big winner at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival.

In his acceptance speech, Piolo said: “Nanginginig pa rin ako. I was not expecting to win, so forgive me for shaking. I share this award with all the nominees: Romnick Sarmenta, you are my best actor."

Piolo added: “I hold this close to my heart because it comes from friends in the industry.  Thank you so much. As we celebrate Philippine cinema, I am reminded of the task we have at hand to not just celebrate but carry on. We are living a good trail to be inspired by what we do ... para sa pelikulang Pilipino."

Julia Montes and Charlie Dizon shared the Best Actress award. Julia was lauded for her role in "Five Breakups and A Romance" while Charlie was awarded for the film "Third World Romance."

Enchong Dee won Best Supporting Actor for the historic movie "GomBurZa." On the other hand, Gladys Reyes was named Best Supporting Actress for the flick "Apag."

In his speech, Enchong said: “Sabi ko, bakit ganoon, feeling ko hindi enough ginawa ko na performance to be noticed and recognized. But now, I want to say thank you. You reminded me it is not the length but rather how much impact and how much you make your audience feel. I really really appreciate this award. I will never forget this night."

“I share this award to all of the people behind GomBurza and sa lahat ng taong nag antay ng hustisya. Ang kwento nito ay representation ng mga tao na nagaantay ng hustisya na sana makamit nila. Maraming maraming salamat. This night will never be forgotten," he also said.

Veteran actress Eva Darren was honored with an Icon Award, and other stars included Leo Martinez, Gina Alajar, Nova Villa, and Sen. Lito Lapid.

In her acceptance speech, Eva said: “Sa lahat ng beteranong kagaya ko, binabahagi ko sa kanila ang karangalang ito. Salamat sa mga kapwa beterano ko, noon at ngayon. Sana huwag ninyo kaming pabayaan. Huwag niyo kaming kalimutan. Salamat po at magandang gabi."

Box-Office Heroes

The 7th Eddys also honored actors who played a crucial role in reviving cinema attendance after the pandemic.

“Each of the films cited in this year’s Box Office Hero award has earned more than P100 million at the box office," said SPEEd (Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors) president Salve Asis, entertainment editor of Pilipino Star Ngayon and Pang Masa.

Initially announced in February, the Box Office Heroes special award would be given to Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards, Julia Montes, and Kathryn Bernardo.

Dingdong and Marian were recognized for their 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, "Rewind." The family drama, garnered widespread acclaim and a strong box office performance, is currently the highest-grossing local film of all time, earning P1 billion during its commercial run.

“Rewind” is a co-production between Star Cinema, Agosto Dos Media, and APT Entertainment.

Alden and Julia were lauded for their film "Five Breakups and A Romance." Apart from their characters resonating deeply with audiences, the romantic drama, co-produced by GMA Pictures, Cornerstone Studios, and Myriad Entertainment, earned more than P100 million at the local box office.

Another Eddys Box Office Hero was Kathryn, who captivated the public in her unconventional role in "A Very Good Girl.” The dark comedy thriller, produced by Star Cinema, earned a spot among last year's top cinematic achievers, tallying P100 million box office gross. It was the first local film to breach the 100-million mark in box office revenue since the pandemic started.

Piolo was honored for his role in "Mallari," the 49th MMFF's second box office winner. The horror film by Mentorque Productions earned P225 million commercially.

Actors Janine Gutierrez, Gabbi Garcia, and Jake Ejercito hosted the glittery event. The 7th Eddys Awards will be broadcast on a delayed telecast on ALLTV on July 14, 10 p.m. 

The Eddys is an annual event that honors filmmakers, actors, writers, directors, workers, and producers in the Philippine film industry. SPEEd is a non-profit organization whose members and officers are the entertainment editors of national broadsheets, top tabloids, and leading online portals.

The full list of winners:

Best Film - About Us But Not About Us (The IdeaFirst Company, Octoberian Films, Quantum Films)

Best Director - Jun Robles Lana (About Us But Not About Us)

Best Actress - Charlie Dizon (Third World Romance) and Julia Montes (Five Breakups And A Romance)

Best Actor - Piolo Pascual (Mallari)

Best Supporting Actress - Gladys Reyes (Apag)

Best Supporting Actor - Enchong Dee (GomBurZa)

Best Screenplay - Jun Robles Lana (About Us But Not About Us)

Best Cinematography - Juan Lorenzo “Pao” Orendain (Mallari)

Best Production Design - Mariel Hizon (Mallari)

Best Editing - Lawrence S. Ang  (About Us But Not About Us)

Best Musical Score - Von de Guzman (Mallari)

Best Sound - Immanuel Verona, Nerrika Salim (Mallari)

Best Visual Effects - Ryan Grimarez, Macky Rayanon, Tawong-Lipod Creative Studio (Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme)

Best Original Theme Song - "Sa Duyan ng Bayan” (GomBurZa) performed by Noel Cabangon, Ebe Dancel, and Gloc-9; music and lyrics by Krina Cayabyab and Gloc-9