MANILA - "Hindi po ako naniniwala sa awards," John Lloyd Cruz said as he was named Best Actor for his lead role in "Honor Thy Father" during the awards ceremony for the 39th Gawad Urian held Wednesday night at the Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City.

Holding a piece of paper that had his acceptance speech written on it, Cruz, whose opening words was met with nervous laughs, continued: "Pero naniniwala po ako that there is honor in hard work, patience, perseverance, and timing."

A photo posted by ABS-CBN PR (@abscbnpr) on Jun 22, 2016 at 9:54am PDT

He went on to thank the producers of the film, director Erik Matti, and screenwriter Michiko Yamamoto. Cruz also mentioned his co-stars, Star Cinema, ABS-CBN chief content officer Charo Santos-Concio, ABS-CBN president Carlo Katigbak, and his mother, Aida.

He admitted that his opening words in his speech may have been confusing. "In case you find my first sentence puzzling, I also came here tonight as an actor to give honor and celebrate my pure love for cinema. Mabuhay po kayong lahat," he explained.

(FULL LIST: 39th Gawad Urian winners)