The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) hosted the grandeur and brilliance of Cinemalaya 2023 on August 13, a historic day for Philippine film. This year’s edition of the prestigious film festival provided an amazing show of cinematic genius, building on its long heritage of encouraging independent filmmaking and pushing creative limits. Cinemalaya 2023 showcased the range, inventiveness, and depth of the Philippines’ cinematic scene, from thought-provoking storytelling to aesthetically engaging works of art.

Here is the entire list of Cinemalaya 2023 awards.

Full-length Feature Film category: 

• Best Film: Iti Mapukpukaw
• Best Director: Ryan Espinosa Machado for Huling Palabas
• Best Actor: Mikoy Morales for Tether
• Best Actress: Pat Tingjuy for Rookie
• Best Supporting Actor: Bon Andrew Lentejas of Huling Palabas
• Best Supporting Actress: Dolly de Leon for Iti Mapukpukaw
• Best Screenplay: Gitling
• Best Cinematography: When This Is All Over
• Best Editing: Rookie
• Best Production Design: When This Is All Over
• Best Original Music Score: When This Is All Over
• Best Sound Design: Tether
• Audience Choice Award: Rookie
• Special Award for Best Ensemble: Ang Duyan Ng Magiting
• Special Jury Award: Ang Duyan Ng Magiting
• Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award: Iti Mapukpukaw

Short Film Category: 

• Best Film (Short Film): Sibuyas Ni Perfecto
• Best Director (Short Film): Mike Cabarles for Makoko Sa Baybay
• Best Screenplay: Hinakdal
• Audience Choice Award: Hinakdal
• Special Jury Award: Hm Hm MhM
• Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award: Hinakdal

Cinemalaya 2023 was more than just a film festival; it was a celebration of the power of storytelling and the resilience of the Philippine film industry. As the curtains closed on the awards night at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the event left a lasting impression on attendees and participants alike. The festival’s commitment to showcasing the finest in Philippine cinema and nurturing emerging talents continues to contribute to the growth and evolution of the country’s cinematic landscape. With another successful edition behind us, anticipation for the next Cinemalaya is already building, promising even more cinematic brilliance and innovation.