Cinemalaya 2018 Awards Predictions

Cinemalaya 2018 Awards night is tonight, and this is probably this year's most unpredictable year with no clear standout and with people championing different films. 

Here are my predictions:

Best Feature Film - Full Length

While Liway had an overwhelming reception from social media and the box office, I think Dapithapon is going to win the top prize.

WILL WIN: Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
COULD WIN: Liway
SHOULD WIN: Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon


Special Jury Prize: Liway
Netpac Jury Prize: Pan de Salawal
Audience choice: Liway


Best Director

Bendict Mique's ML has the flashiest direction among this year's entries. On the other hand, Cinemalaya might reward Kip Oebanda for his deeply personal film, Liway. But Carlo Catu's masterpiece Dapithapon is still my pick.

WILL WIN: Carlo Catu, Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
COULD WIN: Benedict Mique, ML
SHOULD WIN: Carlo Catu, Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon


Best Actress

It's a great Cinemalaya year for actresses with six out of 10 entries front-headed by a female lead--Ai-Ai delas Alas in School Service, Iza Calzado in Distance, Perla Bautista in Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon, Glaiza de Castro in Liway, Miel Espinoza in Pan de Salawal, and last but not the least, Celeste Legaspi in Mamang. As one of the great veterans in this list and with her film not as trashed as Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha, I think Celeste Legaspi is going to win it for Mamang.

WILL WIN: Celeste Legaspi, Mamang
COULD WIN: Glaiza de Castro, Liway
SHOULD WIN: Perla Bautista, Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon & Celeste Legaspi, Mamang


Best Actor

While Eddie Garcia's Cinemalaya comeback is superb in ML, I have a feeling that him being a past winner would work against him. Ogie Alcasid's turn in Kuya Wes is memorable, but I think Dante Rivero's heartbreaking performance in Dapithapon will be rewarded.

WILL WIN: Dante Rivero, Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
COULD WIN: Ogie Alcasid, Kuya Wes
SHOULD WIN: Dante Rivero, Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon


Best Supporting Actress

Teri Malvar's big scene in Distance is going to be a highlight for the viewers, but I'm not counting out Moi Villanueva who's also great in last year's Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha for her work in Kuya Wes.

WILL WIN: Teri Malvar, Distance
COULD WIN: Moi Villanueva, Kuya Wes
SHOULD WIN: Teri Malvar, Distance


Best Supporting Actor

I'd be happy to see Menggie Cobbarubias win this award for Dapithapon. If he does, it'd be comparable to Yayo Aguila's win last year whose subtle but effective supporting performance trumped over the flashy ones. Although I wouldn't be surprised to see Ketchup Eusebia nab this award for the acting showcase Mamang.

WILL WIN: Menggie Cobbarubias, Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
COULD WIN: Ketchup Eusebio, Mamang
SHOULD WIN: Menggie Cobbarubias, Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon


Ensemble – Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
Screenplay - Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
Cinematography - Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
Editing – ML
Production Design – Kuya Wes
Original Music Score - Kung Paano Hinihintay ang Dapithapon
Sound - ML


SHORTS

Best Short Film - Sa Saiyang Isla
Best Director - You, Me and Mr. Wiggles
Best Screenplay - You, Me and Mr. Wiggles
Special Jury Prize - Si Astri Maka Si Tambulah

Netpac Jury Prize - You, Me and Mr. Wiggles
Audience Choice - Sa Saiyang Isla