Rosario producer not sour-graping

It happens all the time, year in and year out, after every awards night whether for the ongoing 2010 Metro Filmfest or for any filmfest for that matter. The post-award brouhaha, that is.

So why did Jennylyn Mercado lose to Ai-Ai delas Alas (for Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To) as Best Actress when she did, according to some observers, a “pang-award” performance in the big-budgeted Rosario? Why, Jennylyn was not even nominated like the movie’s director Albert Martinez.

“We are not questioning the decision of the judges,” clarified Ernesto “Bong” Sta. Maria Jr., chairman & CEO of Cinemabuhay, producer of Rosario (said to cost close to P100M), during a merienda mini-presscon yesterday. “We’re just wondering why Jennylyn was not even nominated.”

Rosario, which is the story of Cinemabuhay and TV5 boss Manny V. Pangilinan’s grandmother (described in the press releases as a liberated lady), won a few awards including Second Best Picture (after Tanging Ina, first; with RPG: Metanoia third).

Could it be possible that direk Albert (who begged off from the presscon) was so overwhelmed by the bigness of the period movie that he unwittingly overlooked important, albeit little, details in Jennylyn’s characterization of a lady who was supposed to be “coquettish and flirtatious,” according to MMFF judge Butch Francisco who also noted that for a chain smoker, Jennylyn as Rosario didn’t even know how to handle (or puff?) a cigaret?

“But those are very minor,” said Bong. “Too minor for Jennylyn not to have been nominated at least, maski hindi siya nanalo. Even Ai-Ai conceded that Jennylyn was her closest rival.”

Bong hinted at a probable “leak” as he noted that in her thank-you speech, Ai-Ai said that ABS-CBN boss Charo Santos told her “na ako ang panalo.”

“I was nervous,” said Ai-Ai when asked by Funfare Update for comment. “What I should have said was, Ma’am Charo told me in English, ‘Whatever happens, whether you win or lose, in our hearts you are the winner.’ Na kahit ano ang mangyari, sa puso nila ay ako ang panalo.”

Butch denied that there was any leak.

“Impossible,” he said. “Even the judges didn’t know the results. Kahit ako nagulat na hindi nominated si Albert.”

I would say that the integrity of judges is above reproach, also including director and MTRCB vice-chairman Maning Borlaza, industry pillar Marichu Maceda, journalist Deedee Sytangco, Robert Arevalo, cinematographer Dick Trofeo, stage actress May Paner (a.k.a. Juana Change).

In a statement, Jennylyn admitted that she was “hurt” but she has accepted the verdict. “Nagpapasalamat din po ako kay Miss Ai-Ai, na-touched po ako sa sinabi n’ya,” added Jennylyn.

Asked if MVP was disappointed not so much with the movie’s gross but with the awards, Bong said, “His only concern was to produce a beautiful movie.”

Well, to console Bong, I told him, “Better luck in the other award-giving bodies.”

There’s the PMPC Star Awards, The Urian Awards, The Film Academy Awards and the FAMAS among others.

What’s up?

= PAGCOR Casino Filipino welcomes the New Year with Big Bang 2011 — Banda, Beer at Barbecue, a nationwide celebration slated for tomorrow, Jan. 1, starting at 7 p.m. at Casino Filipino branches in Parañaque City, Tagaytay, Cebu, and Davao. For the roster of performers, check out the Casino Filipino nearest you.

= From Edmund Sicam: Kate Winslet did win both Best Actress (for Revolutionary Road) and Best Supporting Actress (The Reader) the same year (2008)but not in the Oscars. She did it in the Golden Globes. She won Best Actress in the Oscars (for Revolutionary Road) and Penelope Cruz Best Supporting Actress for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Also, Judi Dench won Best Supporting Actress for Shakespeare in Love and not Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett in the title role) in 1998 and not 1989. (Note: Thanks to the following for also making the correction: “Ed,” Carlo Figueroa, Ronald Lara, Isidro Olaya Jr., Jojo Nones, Hannibal Marayag and Moli Gaila.)

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