Veteran actress Jaclyn Jose won best actress, first for the country, at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in France for her portrayal in Brillante Ma. Mendoza drama film “Ma’Rosa.”
“I’m at a loss for words! I am so surprised and moved. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the Jury members. I thank the director Brillante Mendoza, whose instructions I simply followed,” she said during her acceptance speech.
“He’s a brilliant director, a genius. I am so happy you liked the film. I’d like to salute the Philippine people,” she added.
Following her win, Jose now joins the ranks of past winners including Juliette Binoche, Kirsten Dunst, Sophia Loren, Julianne Moore, Katherine Hepburn and Meryl Streep.
Jose’s performance was recognized by international media. Variety said Jose embodied her character “with naturalistic grace.” Hollywood Reporter described her as “resilient yet understated.” Screen International pointed out that Jose “cuts an imposing figure … she (is) the heart of the (compelling) story.
The last time the Philippines won in Cannes was the best director award of Mendoza for “Kinatay” in 2009.
Watch her winning moment and speech below.
Other winners at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday are:
- Palme d’Or (Best Film): “I, Daniel Blake”, directed by Ken Loach (Britain)
- Grand Prix: “Juste la Fin du Monde” (It’s Just the End of the World), directed by Xavier Dolan (Canada)
- Jury Prize: “American Honey”, directed by Andrea Arnold(Britain)
- Best Director: Cristian Mungiu (Romania) for “Bacalaureat” (Graduation) and Olivier Assayas (France) for “Personal Shopper”
- Best Screenplay: Asghar Farhadi (Iran) for “Forushande” (The Salesman)
- Best Actor: Shahab Hosseini (Iran) in Asghar Farhadi’s “Forushande” (The Salesman)
PHOTO CR: Yves Herman, Reuters