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

MANILA – John Lloyd Cruz was not expecting to win the best actor award at the recently concluded 39th Gawad Urian which was held at the KIA Theater in Quezon City on Wednesday.

Although he had two best actor nods -- he was also nominated for the 2015 blockbuster filn "A Second Chance" -- it was Cruz’s performance in the Erik Matti film “Honor Thy Father” which was recognized by the Urian.

Speaking to reporters after receiving his award, Cruz said: “Medyo kumakalma na 'yung loob ko kasi kanina kabadong-kabado ako. Siyempre kapag you’re in the company of all these artists, ito 'yung mga kasama ko sa industriya, sa presence pa lang nila, kapag kasama ka, doon pa lang dinadaga ka na.”

Also nominated in the best actor category were John Arcilla, Ricky Davao, Jericho Rosales, Dennis Trillo, Sid Lucero, Jun Jun Quintana, Luis Alandy, Anthony Falcon, Francisco Guinto and Lou Veloso.

“Akala ko talaga si kuya John [ang mananalo]. Nakita ko yung ginawa niya [sa 'Heneral Luna'] and it’s breathtaking,” he said.

He also downplayed comments that he was a shoo-in winner because of his two nominations.

“Never ko namang inisip na may naglalaban-laban dito. Isa rin sa mga rason kung bakit hindi ako ganun kakomportable sa awards is because I really find it subjective sa tumitingin. Kung ako ang tatanungin, hindi ko naman ito ibibigay sa sarili ko,” he said.

The actor also explained his acceptance speech wherein he said he does not believe in awards.

(WATCH: John Lloyd's speech at Gawad Urian)

“Hindi 'yung award. It’s the honor that goes with it. 'Yun ang mas mahalaga para sa akin. Sa paghihintay ko for the right time, that was a long process. Napakatagal kong hinintay 'yung pagkakataon na 'yun. Hindi ko naman inakala na may pupuntahan 'yung pagsugal ko. Kaya importante 'yung mga binigkas kong salita because 'yun ang suma-tutal ng aking journey,” he said.

In his speech, Cruz said “Honor Thy Father” gave him the opportunity to be enlightened by his own choices. He said the film also taught him how to better understand and embrace his desires as an actor, adding that the film made him realized that it is okay to be different.

Here is the complete list of Gawad Urian winners.