Actor Paolo Ballesteros (left) and director Jun Robles Lana celebrate
after Paolo is announced as “Best Actor” winner for his role in the film
“Die Beautiful” at the
awarding ceremony
of Tokyo International Film Festival in Tokyo (AP PHOTOS).
AFTER walking down the red carpet as Angelina Jolie during the opening party of the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival, Paolo Ballesteros caught everyone’s attention again as he brought home the Best Actor Award for his transgender role in the film, “Die Beautiful.”
“I thought I was up for Best Actress,” said TV host and actor Paolo in a jest as he was wiping his tears during his acceptance speech. He came up on stage, all glammed up, wearing a gown and heels, channeling Hollywood actress Julia Roberts.
“I thought today was just going to be a red-carpet day which is why I wore a dress,” he continued.
He thanked the organizers for embracing the Jun Robles Lana film that
features the struggles of a member of the LGBTQ community. Paolo extended his gratitude as well to the production team, the primary reason why the film became a success.
The film follows the story of Trisha, a transgender pageant beauty queen. Before her death, she wished that she would remain eternally beautiful.
A video of the acceptance speech was uploaded by film producer Ferdinand Lapuz on Facebook. Paolo thanked his daughter, Keira, their cats and dogs, his Dabarkads (colleagues in the noontime show, “Eat Bulaga”), and his fans in Manila and around the world.
The film earlier won the Audience Award at the Tokyo Film Fest.
ANOTHER FILM WINS AWARD
The Filipino film “Birdshot” by Mikhail Red has also brought home the bacon after winning Best Asian Future Film Award at the recently concluded the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival.
Mikhail is the son of the acclaimed filmmaker Raymond Red.
“This is for everyone who wanted to fly but was shot down and for everyone who wanted to speak out but was silenced,” he said in his acceptance speech.
Mikhail also dedicated his win to all young filmmakers like him and to the country.
“I share this award with all other struggling young filmmakers out there,” he said.
The film stars Mary Joy Apostol, Arnold Reyes and John Arcilla.
