MANILA, Philippines — Actor John Lloyd Cruz is now a three-time winner of a Gawad Urian, his most recent one being a Best Actor trophy for his role in Lav Diaz's "Kapag wala nang mga alon."
At the 46th Gawad Urian held in UP Film Institute in Quezon City last night, Cruz was present to accept his second Best Actor win for his role in the film, having previously won the Boccalino d’Oro (Golden Jug) for Best Actor by critics in Switzerland at the Locarno Film Festival earlier this year.
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Cruz began his acceptance speech by thanking the Gawad Urian, Diaz's production company Sine Olivia, and his colleagues from "Kapag wala nang mga alon," including co-stars Ronnie Lazaro and Hazel Orencio.
"Salamat sa magulang ko, sa aking mga kapatid, sa anak ko, sa aking partner na si Isabel," Cruz continued.
After a pause, Cruz went on to praise Diaz for what the director has done in furthering his acting career.
WATCH: John Lloyd Cruz also showers praise for Lav Diaz. “Kapag wala nang mga alon” is their fifth film together.
“Mabilis [ang oras para sa speech], pero mas mabilis pumatay sa bansang ito,” the actor ends. @PhilstarShowbiz @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/Su06KUccem— Kristofer Purnell (@kjpurneII) November 30, 2023
"Napakabuti ng ginagawa niya. Walang sawang nagpapakilala sa ating mga tungkulin, hindi lang bilang artista [pati] bilang tao, naisabuhay ang ating mga pinapangarap at pinaglalaban sa buhay na ginagampanan natin," Cruz said.
The actor attributed Diaz for opening his eyes to other opportunities to take, "Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, tuluyan na ako siguro kawala-wala... para sa kanya 'to."
Cruz also thanked Crown Artist Management helmed by Maja Salvador, Rambo Nuñez, and Mikki Gonzales, as well as Filipino film critics for their tireless efforts especially during troubled times.
"Tapos na 'yung dalawang minuto [para sa speech]," Cruz quipped to finish. "Mabilis... pero mas mabilis pa rin pumatay sa bansang ito."
"Kapag wala nang mga alon" also won Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematography at the 2023 Gawad Urian, tying with Sundance Film Festival 2022 darling "Leonor Will Never Die" for the most awards.
RELATED: John Lloyd Cruz recalls how he met, fell in love with Isabel Santos