The 23rd FAP/Luna Awards: Glamour is back in the industry

As promised, the 23rd Film Academy Awards, now known as the Luna Awards, held last Saturday, May 14, at a tent in the garden of the Westin Philippine Plaza was a glamorous and glittering affair put up by Albert Martinez’s APM Events in cooperation with Big Mango Productions.

Garbed in gowns by top couturiers, the stars were driven in BMWs and they walked on a Red Carpet reminiscent of the Oscars’ pre-ceremony event. The affair, capped by a fireworks display, has brought glamour back to an industry reeling from onerous taxes, video piracy and a prolonged slump that threatens to put it six feet under the ground.

"We need a glamorous affair like this," said Albert, "if only to boost the morale of industry people."

Here are the list of awardees:

• Best Picture – Aishite Imasu (Regal Films)

• Best Director – Joel Lamangan (Aishite Imasu)

• Best Actress – Claudine Barretto (Star Cinema’s Milan)

• Best Actor – Dennis Trillo (Aishite Imasu)

• Best Supporting Actress – Jaclyn Jose (Naglalayag)

• Best Supporting Actor – Jay Manalo (Aishite Imasu)

• Best Screenplay – Cris Vertido (CM Films’ Panaghoy sa Suba)

• Best Cinematography – Ely Cruz (Panaghoy sa Suba)

• Best Production Design – Joey Luna (Aishite Imasu)

• Best Editing – Marya Ignacio (Aishite Imasu)

• Best Sound Engineering – Albert Idioma (Feng Shui)

• Best Musical Score – Nonong Buencamino (Panaghoy sa Suba)

• FPJ Lifetime Achievement Award – Marichu Maceda