Kathryn Bernardo. Image from ABS-CBN Films head Kriz Gazmen (Instagram/@krizgazmen)
Kathryn Bernardo was recognized at this year’s Asian World Film Festival, emerging as the recipient of the Snow Leopard Rising Star award.
Bernardo, whose movie “Hello, Love, Again” with Alden Richards closed the film festival, received the recognition at the event held in Culver City, California. Moments from the event were shared by Star Cinema through its Instagram page on Friday, Nov. 22.
“It feels so surreal to be standing here tonight, receiving this award. Thank you so much to the Asian World Film Festival Board of Directors for the incredible honor; not only for recognizing my body of work but for celebrating all the stories that we, Asian artists, continue to share for the world,” she said in her acceptance speech.
Bernardo looked back at how she started her acting career at the age of 6, underscoring how she has been fortunate to “bring a variety of characters to life.”
“Twenty-two years later, I am still here pursuing my first love and my passion, which is acting. Yes, I know it’s a tough job but moments like tonight make it all worth it,” she said. “It is such an honor to be here representing my fellow Filipinos and my home network ABS-CBN.”
“May we all continue to tell stories that will touch people’s lives,” she added.
Aside from its success in the Philippine box office, “Hello, Love, Again,” the sequel to the 2019 blockbuster film “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” earned over $2 million in first-day gross in cinemas in North America.