Paolo as Trisha
DAYS before Jun Robles Lana’s film hits the country’s cinemas for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2016, “Die Beautiful” has received another recognition—the Special
Jury Prize award at the Kerala International Film Festival in India held last Friday.
Ferdinand Lapuz, producer of the film, who was the lone representative during the festival, accepted the award on lead actor Paolo Ballesteros’
behalf.
In Jun Lana’s Facebook account, he said the award was totally unexpected.
“First there was Tokyo, now Kerala, India! CONGRATULATIONS PAOLO BALLESTEROS OF DIE BEAUTIFUL! Even though there are no acting awards at the Kerala International Film Festival in India, the jury was so moved by his performance that they decided to give Paolo a SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE!,” Lana posted.
A month ago, Paolo won his very first Best Actor award at the Tokyo International Film Festival, also for “Die Beautiful.”
Upon learning of the good news, an elated Ballesteros promptly took to Instagram and posted, “Woooooh!!! Just in! Good news mga Dabarkads!
SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE!!! 21st International Film Festival of Kerala, India Maraming Salamat!!!!”
Earlier this month, the actor was given an Award of Distinction at the Inquirer Indie Bravo Awards also in recognition of his performance for the same film.
Best known as a co-host of the noontime show “Eat Bulaga” and in recent years for his makeup transformation into popular global celebrities, Paolo headlines “Die Beautiful” in the role of Trisha Echevarria, a transgender woman who suddenly dies after winning a beauty pageant.
An official entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, “Die Beautiful” is dubbed as “a poignant character study that also celebrates individuality.”
Produced by October Train Films and The Idea First Company, the film also stars Joel Torre, Gladys Reyes, Luis Alandy and Albie Casiño and will open this Christmas Day.