‘Taklub’ is 39th Gawad Urian’s best film

“Taklub,” which tells of the struggles of Filipinos whose lives were affected by Typhoon “Yolanda,” was proclaimed Best Film at the 39th Gawad Urian on Wednesday night.

The film, which was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, was directed by Brillante Mendoza.

John Lloyd Cruz earned the judges’ nod for best actor for his performance in the Erik Matti action-drama “Honor Thy Father.”

Cruz beat equally worthy nominees John Arcilla (“Heneral Luna”), Ricky Davao (“Dayang Asu”), Jericho  Rosales (“Walang Forever”), Dennis Trillo (“Felix Manalo”), Sid Lucero (“Apocalypse Child”) Jun Jun Quintana (“Water Lemon”), Luis Alandy (“Anino sa likod ng Buwan”), Anthony Falcon (“Anino sa likod ng Buwan”), Francisco Guinto (Ari: My Life with a King”) and Lou Veloso (“Da Dog Show”).

LJ Reyes is winner of the highly coveted best actress award for her performance in the Jun Lana film “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan.”

Bernardo Bernardo bagged the best supporting actor award for his performance in the Law Fajardo film “Imbisibol.”

He said he waited for 36 years to finally bring home his own Urian trophy. “It’s never too late… Senior citizens are still the priority,” he quipped, referring to the practice of letting senior citizens get ahead of a long queues. He dedicated the award to overseas Filipino workers “who are considered our modern-day heroes.”

Ana Abad Santos was heralded best supporting actress for her role in “Apocalypse Child” by Mario Cornejo.

Jerrold Tarog won the best director and editor awards for his work  in “Heneral Luna.” Mikko Quizon took home the best sound honor for the same film.

The best screenplay trophy was handed to Robby Tantingco for “Ari: My Life with a King.” For the same film, Jake Abella bagged the best sound honor.

Ben Payumo, who was nominated three times for best production designer, finally bagged a trophy. This time, for “Water Lemon.”

“Wawa” by Angelie Mae Macalanda is this year’s winner of best short film award.

Sheron Dayoc’s “The Crescent Rising” bagged the best documentary trophy.

Cinematographer Romy Vitug is the recipient of this year’s Natatanging Gawad Urian.

Performers at the ceremony held at the Kia Theater in Quezon city were Jonah, Morissette, Sheryn Regis and Daryl Ong.