34th Gawad Urian Winners

Production art for Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria (Eleuteria's Dream), the Urian Best Picture winner

To clarify: I don't believe in awards; if it were up to me, I'd have everyone draw up a list and post those lists on a website (let a hundred flowers bloom).

But awards are a good promotional tool, and heaven knows Filipino films are underpromoted.

So, in the spirit of, I don't know, fellowship and all--

Winners of the 34th Gawad Urian Awards

BEST PICTURE - And Damgo ni Eleuteria

BEST DIRECTOR - Remton Siega Zuasola (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria)

BEST SCREENPLAY - Arnel Mardoquio (Sheika)

BEST ACTOR - Sid Lucero (Muli)

BEST ACTRESS - Fe GingGing Hyde (Sheika)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Joem Bascon (Noy)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Rosanna Roces (Presa)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Christian Linaban (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria)

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN - Rodell Cruz (Amigo)

BEST EDITING - Willie Apa, Jr. and Arthur Ian Garcia (Sheika)

BEST MUSIC - Jerrold Tarog (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria)

BEST SOUND - Dempster Samarista (Limbunan)

BEST SHORT FILM - Wag Kang Titingin by Pam Miras

BEST DOCUMENTARY - Kano: An American and His Harem by Monster Jimenez

NATATANGING GAWAD URIAN (Lifetime Achievement Awardee) - Jose "Pete" Lacaba

GAWAD URIAN AKTOR NG DEKADA - Coco Martin

GAWAD URIAN AKTRES NG DEKADA - Gina Pareno and Cherry Pie Picache

PELIKULA NG DEKADA - Tuhog (2000), Batang Westside (2001), Babae Sa Breakwater (2003), Magnifico (2003), Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino (2004), Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros (2005), Kubrador (2006), Serbis (2008), Kinatay (2009), Lola (2009)

Some notes:

Pete Lacaba's award is much deserved and long overdue--but even better would be a new project for him to work on.

Many of the winners are independent digital film productions-- which I'd say goes to show that the independent film scene is the most creative and vital segment of the industry.

Thought John Sayles Amigo was an odd choice - but the film is apparently a Filipino co-production. 

Wondered what happened to Mario O'Hara's Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio, which I thought terrific, or John Torres' Ang Ninanais (Refrains Happen like Revolutions in a Song)? But I haven't seen those that were nominated either, and am hardly qualified to judge. 

I have seen a good chunk of the Best of the Decade titles; where applicable, I have linked an article to the title. My own list would have looked somewhat different--but this is theirs, of course; I can't change it, only disagree, somewhat, agree for the most part.

Congratulations to the winners!

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