Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

While Hollywood is busy this week preparing for the biggest award show honoring films, the Academy Awards, which is to take place on March 20, Manila is busy as well preparing for the kick-off to its awards season.

One of the most awaited is The Gawad Urian, which is the honor given by the award-giving body Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, a group which was established in 1976. The Gawad Urian award is carefully selected based on the criteria made by critics, focusing on the artistic and creative workmanship.

Two films of polar opposites directed by Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza nab Best Film nominations, Kinatay, a look at the dark side of law enforcement in the country, and Lola, a sentimental movie of a grandmother’s struggle to rise above deplorable conditions. Kinatay and Lola will compete with Engkwentro, a film by the young auteur Pepe Diokno, which won high honors at last year’s Venice Film Festival, among others.

One of the toughest categories may be the Best Actress since it includes Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos (In My Life), versatile actress Tessie Tomas (Last Supper No. 3), actress and TV host Janice de Belen (Last Viewing), fast-rising actress Iza Calzado (Dukot) and Eugene Domingo (from last year’s box office hit Kimmy Dora). That list alone will make one tune in to the awards night n April 29, 2010 at 6 pm at the Cine Adarna, University of the Philippines where Armida Siguion Reyna will be honored with the Natatanging Gawad Urian.

Here are the nominees for the 33rd Gawad Urian night:

• Ditoy Aguila, Himpapawid
• Mark Locsin, Bakal Boys
• Albert Michael Idioma, Kinatay
• Albert Michael Idioma and Addiss Tabong, Lola
• Mark Laccay, Engkwentro
• Andrew Millalos and Mike Idioma, Last Supper No. 3

• Teresa Barrazo, Kinatay
• Dan Gil, Last Supper No. 3
• Lutgardo Labad, Independencia
• Gauss Obenza, Hospital Boat
• Francisbrew Reyes, Dinig Sana Kita
• Francis de Veyra, The Arrival

• John Steffan Ballesteros, Colorum
• Jay Halili, Biyaheng Lupa
• Raymond Red, Dave Hukom and Jay Halili, Himpapawid
• Kats Serraon, Kinatay
• Kats Serraon, Lola
• Orlean Tan, Ralph Crisostomo and Miko Araneta, Engkwentro
• Borgy Torre and Ronald Banawa, The Arrival
• Veronica B. Velasco and Pablo Biglang-awa, Jr., Last Supper No. 3

• Bryan Bajado, Hospital Boat
• Deans V. Habal, Bakal Boys
• Brillante Mendoza, Kinatay
• Brillante Mendoza, Lola
• Danny Red, Himpapawid
• Digo Ricio, Independencia
• Mic Tatad and Giselle Andres, Last Supper No. 3

• Dax Canedo, Hospital Boat
• Ruben H. Dela Cruz, Bakal Boys
• Emman Pascual, Engkwentro
• Odyssey Flores, Kinatay
• Odyssey Flores, Lola
• Sol Garcia, Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe
• Joni Guttierez, Anacbanua
• Jeanne Lapoirie, Independencia
• Raymond Red, Himpapawid