Award-winning actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo bagged the Best Actress award for the supernatural horror film, “Espantaho,” at the 45th Fantasporto Film Festival!
After winning the same award at the Gabi ng Parangal at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) last year, Judy Ann will return to the Philippines with new recognition and a little excess baggage.
On Sunday, March 9, the actress attended the 2025 Fantasporto, held at the Batalha Centro de Cinema in Porto, Portugal. Before the ceremony began, a film screening was held, including that of the Filipino film, Espantaho (Scarecrow).
Judy Ann gave a brief message to her and the film’s supporters before the ceremony, hoping that they get the award. However, the actress mentioned that even if they don’t bring the trophy home, seeing other people appreciate the film is enough for her.
Much to Judy Ann’s surprise, her name was called during the Best Actress award announcement. She even joked about the excess baggage she’ll have considering the weight of the trophy.
“I would like to thank the jury of Fantasporto for the recognition, it is with great pride and honor that I am here to represent my country which is the Philippines,” the actress said, in awe of the recognition.
“I would also like to share this award with my director Chito Roño, our writer Chris Martinez, and my producer Atty. Joji and of course, to [the] Espantaho team, and to my husband and to my three children,” she added.
She emphasized how her children and husband had always been her inspiration in every project she made. The actress took the time to appreciate the foreign city, relishing in her new achievement.
“Porto is just a beautiful city, and I’m just so happy that I would be bringing home the best souvenir,” Judy Ann said, closing her speech.
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After the ceremony, the actress excitedly showed her souvenir. She thanked the film’s cast and crew again, highlighting how she wouldn’t be recognized if it weren’t for them.
“Nakakaloka. Napakaganda ng souvenir na maiuuwi ko mula dito sa Porto, sa Fantasporto. Of course, Direk Chito, Direk Chris, Atty. Joji, and to all the cast and crew of Espantaho. Syempre para sa atin ‘to. Hindi naman ako makakarating dito kung hindi kayo ang kasama ko. To God be the glory,” she said.
“Ang lamig tapos ang bigat-bigat nung award. Iniisip ko na kung magkano babayaran ko sa excess baggage ko pauwi. Pero masayang-masaya kong babayaran ‘yon, maiuwi ko lang ‘to. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” she added.
Espantaho tells the story of Monet (Judy Ann) and her mother Rosa (Lorna Tolentino), who mourn over the death of their family patriarch Pabling.
During the nine-day pasiyam (vigil) and paglalamay (wake) at the Lazatin-Henson-Katigbak Mansion, horrifying secrecy and an evil death plot begin to unravel.
