‘Monumental’: Iyah Mina is Cinema One Originals’ first transgender Best Actress
Iyah Mina’s Best Actress win goes beyond an acting feat, at least for the LGBTQ+ community.
Iyah, the star of “Mamu; And a Mother Too” received the award Sunday, Oct. 21 at the 2018 Cinema One Original Awards Night at the Dolphy Theater in Quezon City.
During her speech, she dedicated the trophy to the trans community. Mina is a trans woman who portrayed a trans sex worker in the film.
According to Cinema One Originals, which hosts an annual indie film festival, Iyah is the first transgender Best Actress in the country.
More than just celebrating #IAmOriginal, we also celebrate equality! Today, we made history as Iyah Mina is the first Transgender to win Best Actress in Philippine Cinema.
In her heart-warming speech, she declares, "Babae akooo!!! True?!"
#IyahMinaBestActress #C1Originals pic.twitter.com/g3syHQGvuz
— Cinema One Originals (@c1origs) October 21, 2018
Today, Oct. 22, Iyah recalled that she thought twice when she was offered the role, noting that she had to give up other engagements from which she usually earns.
She said she had no clue that she would win and that she and the team were already thrilled with the nomination.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpOrj2knjkk/?taken-by=iyah_mina
“Ganun ba talaga ang feeling wala akong hinandang speech aba malay ko ba tatawagin,” she said. “Kung anu nalang lumabas sa bibig ko kung anu na lang laman ng puso ko.”
(Is that how it feels? I had no speech prepared. How would I know that I would be called? What came out of my mouth is from the heart.)
Online, netizens hailed Cinema One Originals’ decision, with some noting that this was progress, after Cinemalaya handed the Best Actor award to trans woman Mimi Juareza.
Media personality Kaladkaren Davila said of Iyah’s win: “This is monumental for the whole LGBT community.”
Iyah Mina making history as First Transgender Best Actress in PH!!! Wow! This is monumental for the whole LGBT community 🌈👏🏻 #Pride https://t.co/VB6oPCDjHw
— KaladKaren (@jervijervi) October 21, 2018
“While the Oscars keep nominating straight white men playing trans, the Philippines just did this,” said netizen Jowana Bueser (@jowanabueser).
While the Oscars keep nominating straight white men playing trans, the Philippines just did this. Iba ang Iyah Mina 🏳️🌈 https://t.co/2ILLTTQAtj
— Jowana Bueser (@jowanabueser) October 21, 2018
“This is a very historic moment for the LGBT+ community!” said another Twitter user, Ronald Gem Celestial (@ronaldgem). “TRANSWOMEN ARE WOMEN!” JB
Congratulations, Ms. Iyah Mina for being awarded as #C1Originals2018 Best Actress! ✊
This is a very historic moment for the LGBT+ community! 😭
TRANSWOMEN ARE WOMEN! 🌈https://t.co/7eS8d3pnrO
— Roentgen (@ronaldgem) October 21, 2018
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