Dolly de Leon earns LA Film Critics’ nod

Dolly de Leon

Filipino actress Dolly de Leon has received another accolade, this time the best supporting performance trophy at the 48th Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards (Lafca), for her work in Swedish filmmaker Ruben Ostlund’s satirical black comedy, “Triangle of Sadness,” which is gunning for an Oscar nomination.

“This is a huge honor especially since I’ve been panned by a critic or two in my youth. It’s overwhelmingly gratifying to be recognized by a panel of critics with very distinct tastes and are members of a prestigious award-giving body like the Lafca,” De Leon told Inquirer Entertainment via chat on Monday.

The Lafca is composed of LA-based film critics who honor outstanding cinematic achievements and distinguished industry veterans, as well as shine the spotlight on fresh, promising talents. Its members also organize film panels and events, and donate funds to groups that champion film preservation, according to the group’s website, lafca.net.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be recognized by critics who think outside the box and recognize the artistry of filmmaking. I’m proud to represent every individual who is struggling in their chosen industry—much like Abigail,” De Leon said.

She was referring to her character in the film, a toilet cleaner in a luxury cruise ship who later becomes the leader of a group of survivors after the vessel sinks, leaving them marooned on an island.

“Every single soul who’s watched the film would know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, go out and find out. It’s still in cinemas [here in the Philippines]. This victory is for all of us!” De Leon said in a statement.

She won alongside Vietnamese actor Ke Huy Quan, who received the best supporting actor award for his performance in “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” The sci-fi/adventure flick codirected by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert was tied with Todd Field’s psychological drama “Tår” for best picture.

Breakout star

“Triangle of Sadness” premiered in May at the prestigious 75th Cannes Film Festival in France, where it won the highly coveted Palme d’Or. It also made De Leon one of the hottest celebrities in the festival, with international media referring to her as “a breakout star” and “a scene-stealing Filipino actor.” An online report said that in Cannes, she would get stopped in the streets by fans asking for photos and autographs.

De Leon has been touring key cities worldwide since September to promote the film. In October, she received the Breakthrough Performance award from the 2022 Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia. She is considered a “threat” to strong contenders for the Oscar best supporting actress nomination.

“Thinking about it makes me very nervous,” De Leon told Inquirer Entertainment of the ongoing campaign for her and the film to get Oscar nominations. “I just want to keep doing what I’m supposed to do [to promote it.] If I don’t get nominated, it’s OK. I don’t want to think [too] much about it because I don’t want to feel bad if I don’t get it. I’m preparing myself mentally. It just means someone else deserves it and needs it more than I do. What I really want is for the film to win.”

“Triangle of Sadness” has been screening in local cinemas nationwide since Nov. 30. “[In terms of box-office draw], it’s performance is good, considering it is an arthouse/indie movie and it’s only showing in a few cinemas. It’s now on its second week,” said Daphne Chiu, president and COO of the film’s local distributor, TBA Studios.

The film will also have a limited run on Dec. 15, 16 and 18 in Cinematheque centers of the Film Development Council of the Philippines in Manila, Iloilo, Davao, Bacolod City (Negros Center), and Nabunturan in Davao de Oro. INQ