Big win for rapper Abra, ‘Respeto’ in 2018 Gawad Urian awards

Abra receives his Best Actor trophy from Gawad Urian on June 14, 2018. PHOTO by Marinel Cruz/Philippine Daily Inquirer

“Hiphop, a culture that was once ignored by many, is now being recognized in the silver screen,” declared rapper Abra, as he received on Thursday night his Gawad Urian best actor trophy for his work in Treb Monteras II’s “Respeto.”

Abra said he is thankful for the opportunity to act in “a real film,” and not just in the music videos that he was so used to doing.

The film that tackles extrajudicial killings also won for Dido dela Paz the best supporting actor award. It also brought home the best editing trophy for Lawrence Ang and the best sound honor for Corrine de San Jose.

Meanwhile, theater stalwart Joanna Ampil bagged the best actress award for her performance in Loy Arcenas’ musical “Larawan,” her first movie project. “This is just amazing! God is good,” she told the Inquirer shortly after the ceremony held at the Vertis Tent in Quezon City.

Joanna Ampil bagged the best actress award for her performance in Loy Arcenas’ musical “Larawan.” PHOTO by Marinel Cruz/Philippine Daily Inquirer

Khavn dela Cruz’s “Balangiga: Howling Wilderness” brought home the best picture honor, while the best director trophy was given to Arnel Barbarona for “Tu Pug Imatuy.”

Odette Khan won the best supporting actress award for Kip Oebanda’s “Bar Boys.” The best screenplay award was given to Christopher Gozum for his work in “Dapol Tan Payawar Na Tayug 1931.”

The Natatanging Gawad Urian (para sa musikang pampelikula) was bestowed upon Winston Raval.

The recipients of other awards are the following: Mycko David (“Neomanila”), best cinematography; Khavn dela Cruz (“Balanginga: Howling Wilderness”), best music; Victor Delotavo Tagaroand Toshihiko Uriu (“Yield”), best documentary; Kiri Dalena (“Gikan Sa Ngitngit Nga Kinailadman”), best short film.

The annual Gawad Urian is organized by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino. /ee