(UPDATED) Veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who remains in a coma following an on-set accident, has won the Gawad Urian for Best Actor his role as a delusional military officer who tortures students in "ML."

Garcia, 90, defeated a strong field, which included his "ML" co-star Tony Labrusca, Christian Bables" in "Signal Rock," and Miyuki Kamimura in "Tanabata's Wife."

He was a favorite to win having been nominated in the category twice. He was also nominated for his role in "Hintayan ng Langit."

GAWAD URIAN: Pinakamahusay na Aktor - Eddie Garcia (ML)

— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) June 18, 2019

"ML" was an entry in Cinemalaya 2018, and it centered around a student who found himself being tortured by an elderly retired officer while doing his research on Marcos' martial law rule.

The award was accepted by "ML" director Benedict Mique, who read a message from Garcia's family. "While he has remained in a comatose state, isipin niyo siya iyong nakatayo dito at nakatanaw sa inyong lahat," the letter read.

WATCH: 'ML' Director Benedict Mique emotional when he accepted Eddie Garcia's award for Best Actor. Mique read the message of the Garcia Family. pic.twitter.com/61Hoheheib

— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) June 18, 2019

Prior to announcing Garcia as the winner, the 2019 Gawad Urian observed a minute-long silence for the actor.

• WATCH: Coco Martin still hoping Eddie Garcia could recover
• READ: Tony Mabesa 'devastated' over what happened to Eddie Garcia

For the full list of winners of the 2019 Gawad Urian, see here.