BEST PICTURE - The cast of the horror movie 'Deleter' poses after the film won best picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2022 Gabi ng Parangal held at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City last Dec. 27. (Noel Pabalate)

"Deleter," a story of a content moderator who deletes violent videos online, won big at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2022 Gabi ng Parangal, bagging major awards for best picture, best actress and best director.

The horror flick, one of the top-grossers in this year's filmfest, also received honors for best cinematography, best visual effects, best film editing and best sound.

"Hindi po namin talaga ine-expect na makakasama ang 'Deleter' sa MMFF. Ito pong award na ito ay dine-dedicate ko po sa pamilya ko, sa boyfriend kong si Chris (Bariou), of course sa Viva family, sa team 'Deleter.' Masayang-masaya po kami at nagbabalik na po ang mga pelikulang Pilipino sa sinehan," Nadine said in her acceptance speech, during the MMFF awards night held at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on Tuesday, Dec. 27

(We really didn't expect 'Deleter' to be in the MMFF. I dedicate this award to my family, to my boyfriend Chris (Bariou), of course to the Viva family, to the team. Deleter.' We are very happy that Filipino movies are coming back to the cinema.)

Fans were thrilled when Nadine thanked her French boyfriend in her speech. The Viva star beat Toni Gonzaga, Heaven Peralejo and Ivana Alawi for the acting award.

Nadine said she is so proud of "Deleter," her first horror film. "This is one project that I can say I'm really proud of. It's different from the other projects I've done because this is my first full-length horror movie."

Asked what took her so long to accept a horror movie, Nadine said: "I guess I just waited for the right project. A lot of my projects are drama and rom-com. Hindi talaga nangyayari yung horror film. But I've been vocal about wanting to do other genres like action films, horror."

The crowd also cheered for Ian who won the best actor for the thriller flick "Nanahimik Ang Gabi." "I've been in the industry for 40 years and this is the first time I won a best actor award. Thank you," said Ian in his speech. He beat Jake Cuenca and Nonie Buencamino for the recognition.

Earlier, Nadine and Ian were also proclaimed Stars of the Night. "Nanahimik" also won awards for Mon Confiado, best supporting actor; best production design, and best musical score. Mon was delivering his acceptance speech when Ian went up the stage and kissed him on the cheek.

Dimples Romana, who was not in attendance, was named best supporting actress for the movie "My Father, Myself." "Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told," the tragic story of the 44 elite Special Action Force (SAF) troopers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who sacrificed their lives to neutralize international terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25, 2015, won four awards - 2nd best picture, FPJ Memorial Award, best screenplay, and best original theme song.

Star for Al Seasons Vilma Santos received the Marichu Vera-Perez Memorial Award for her contributions to Philippine cinema. "Mahalaga po sa akin ang pangalang Marichu Maceda dahil para ko na po siyang pangalawang ina. Sa panahon po na kailangang-kailangan ko ng gabay, andyan po si Manay Ichu," said Ate Vi, who is celebrating 60 years in showbiz this year.

"Sixty years. Hindi po madali pero nakayanan ko po dahil sa pagmamahal ng mga tao sa akin." (The name Marichu Maceda is important to me because she is like a second mother to me. At a time when I desperately need guidance, Manay Ichu is there. Sixty years. It wasn't easy but I was able to do it because of people's love for me.)

The complete list of winners:

Best Picture – Deleter

2nd Best Picture – Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told

3rd Best Picture – Nanahimik Ang Gabi

Best Actress – Nadine Lustre, Deleter

Best Actor – Ian Veneracion, Nanahimik Ang Gabi

Best Director – Mikhail Red, Deleter

Best Supporting Actor – Mon Confiado, Nanahimik Ang Gabi

Best Supporting Actress – Dimples Romana, My Father, Myself

Best Screenplay – Mamasapano

FPJ Memorial Award – Mamasapano

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas – Family Matters

Marichu VeraPerez Maceda Memorial Award – Vilma Santos

Stars of the Night – Nadine Lustre and Ian Veneracion

Gender Sensitivity Award – My Teacher

Best Cinematography – Deleter

Best Child Performer – Shawn Nino Gabriel (My Father, Myself)

Best Production Design – Nanahimik Ang Gabi

Best Visual Effects – Deleter

Best Film Editing – Deleter

Best Musical Score – Nanahimik Ang Gabi

Best Sound – Deleter

Best Original Song – The theme from ‘Mamasapano’ (Aking Mahal)

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