'Green Bones' triumphs at 8th EDDYs, movie legends honored in star-studded celebration
The team of 'Green Bones' led by actors Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid, scores a big win at the 8th EDDYS Awards held at the Marriott Hotel on July 20. (Primetime Media/Facebook)
In a night that celebrated both cinematic excellence and the enduring legacy of Philippine cinema, “Green Bones” emerged as the biggest winner at the 8th EDDYs (Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards) held at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City last Sunday.
The gritty prison drama swept major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director for Zig Dulay, Best Actor for Dennis Trillo, Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid, and Best Cinematography for Neil Daza.
“Green Bones,” which explores the central themes of redemption and retribution, previously earned acclaim at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, where it also swept away major awards. Produced by GMA Pictures, the latest EDDYs win solidifies the movie's position as the powerhouse production to beat this awards season.
Joining the roster of acting winners was Marian Rivera, who won Best Actress for her role in “Balota,” a politically charged drama about a mother/teacher swept into the chaos of local elections. Lorna Tolentino received Best Supporting Actress honors for her chilling performance as a ghost in the horror thriller “Espantaho."
Veteran actor Aga Muhlach shared the Best Supporting Actor award with Ruru Madrid for his role in “Uninvited."
The ceremony also paid tribute to behind-the-scenes excellence. "My Future You" won Best Original Theme Song while Vanessa Ubas De Leon won Best Editing for the same movie. Vicente Groton bagged Best Screenplay for “Under A Piaya Moon."
Nestor Abrogena of “The Kingdom” took home Best Production Design, while Vincent de Jesus was honored for Best Musical Score for “Isang Himala.” John Eric Mancera won Best Sound for Topakk and Best Visual Effects went to Gaspar Mangarin/Walter Monte for "Espantaho."
Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) president Salve Asis of Pilipino Star Ngayon pointed out that in giving the annual EDDYs awards, the Philippines' entertainment editors recognize that "films have a responsibility to society. They reflect our struggles, our hopes, our values, and our truths. They tell our stories."
Salve announced that the proceeds of this year's event will go towards helping the Little Ark Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports children afflicted with cancer.
In a heartfelt moment, the Movie Icon Awards were bestowed upon legendary figures of Philippine cinema, including actress/director Laurice Guillen, Odette Khan, Perla Bautista, Pen Medina, couple Rosemarie Gil and Eddie Mesa, and National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik.
A poignant in memoriam segment honored film and television personalities who passed away in the past year. Special tributes were held for National Artist for Film & Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, Asia's Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, veteran showbiz journalist Lolit Solis, and Regal Films stalwart Mother Lily Monteverde.
Stirring musical performances were rendered by top artists Kuh Ledesma (for Nora), Jackie Lou Blanco (for Pilita), Carla Guevara-Laforteza (for Manay Lolit), and Ice Seguerra (for Mother Lily), with memorable photos of the deceased stars flashed on screen.
"Box Office Heroes" who exceeded the P100 million benchmark in ticket sales were also honored. These were: Alden Richards/Kathryn Bernardo for "Hello, Love, Again"; Julia Barretto/Joshua Garcia for "Un/Happy For You"; Vice Ganda for "And The Breadwinner Is"; Vic Sotto/Piolo Pascual for "The Kingdom"; and Dennis Trillo/Ruru Madrid for "Green Bones".
Special citations were given to Nathan Studios (Rising Producer Circle), with the award received by Topakk producer, Ms. Sylvia Sanchez. Meanwhile, Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group at GMA Network, went up the stage to receive the prize for GMA Pictures as Producer of the Year, alongside GMA Senior Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon.
Vlogger Ogie Diaz was named the recipient of the Joe Quirino Memorial Award, along with colleagues in the industry, including former entertainment editor Crispina Belen (Manny Pichel Memorial Award) and theater actor/entrepreneur RS Francisco (Isah V. Red Award).
Gen Z stars Darren Espanto, Kaila Estrada, Kyline Alcantara, and Alexa Ilacad hosted this year's EDDYs. At the same time, actress Alexa Miro and Manila Bulletin columnist Mr. Fu took charge of hosting the red carpet.