Actress and former Batangas City Governor Vilma Santos has expressed her sadness over co-star failing to get a nomination for Best Actor in the recently concluded Manila International Film Festival (MIFF).
In an interview with PEP.ph, the Star For All Seasons said that she was surprised that Christopher de Leon, her co-star for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, ‘When I Met You In Tokyo,’ was not nominated for the category.
“I’m feeling so sad because being the King of Drama and my leading man, I feel kahit hindi man siya manalo, I believe na dapat kahit nomination man lang sana ay nabigay sa kanya,” said Vilma.
“Di ko alam kung ano ang criteria nila, nagulat ako when I learned that he was not given even a nomination. I just felt very, very sad,” she said further.
Vilma praised Christopher’s acting in the film as well as his role of also being the associate director, claiming that the recognition she received from the film was largely because of his guidance.
Notably, Vilma took home the Best Actress award during the 2024 MMFF. Although many criticized her win and took to social media platforms to claim that the awards were rigged.
Upon winning the same award at the MIFF, Vilma expressed that she felt vindicated for the recognition after receiving hate online.
“Nanalo ako dito sa MMFF, may mga bashing, may isyu na may mga nagbayad. Nung nanalo rin ako sa MIFF sa same movie, i felt somehow vindicated,” said Vilma.
“I’m really happy, I feel so elated. Maraming, maraming salamat talaga sa MIFF, sa mga jurors sa pagkilala nila sa pagganap ko bilang Azon sa When I Met You in Tokyo. Salamat for recognizing my performance,” the actress said further.
The MIFF was held at the Director’s Guild of America in Los Angeles, California last Feb. 1.