John Lloyd Cruz in a scene from 'Moneyslapper.' QCinema 

MANILA -- John Lloyd Cruz took home the Best Lead Performance for his performance in "Moneyslapper" at the QCinema International Film Festival awards night on Wednesday, sharing the prize with Shenina Cinnamon for her portrayal in Indonesia's "Tale of the Land."  

Cruz was cited "for his fearless portrayal, bringing depth and intensity to the film’s dark humor and unconventional social critique — a performance that leaves a lasting impact and solidifies his place as one of the most versatile actors of his generation."

Taking the top prize in its main competition, Asian Next Wave, was “Viet and Nam” from Trương Minh Quý. 

The Vietnam-set film, which premiered in Cannes Un Certain Regard is produced by Epic Media and is co-production between the Philippines, Vietnam plus other European countries.

The jury, composed of Babyruth Villarama, Gabor Greiner, Ming-Jung Kuo and Nguyen Le, cited the film for “conjuring the haunting presence of trauma and memories that are embedded within the landscape, and tenderly following a romance that unfolds deep within the coal mines.”

Another Vietnamese filmmaker, Dương Diệu Linh, won the Grand Jury Prize for her debut, “Don’t Cry Butterfly,” about a middle-aged wife who discovers her husband is having an affair and embarks on a mystical journey to seek a better life elsewhere.

The Best Director award was given to Elizabeth Lo for "Mistress Dispeller," which "set a new benchmark for documentary storytelling in our festival’s history,” heralding the first documentary entry in the Asian Next Wave competition.

Below is the full list of winners in the 12th QCinema International Film Festival:

Asian Next Wave 

Best Picture

“Viet and Nam” by Trương Minh Quý

Grand Jury Prize 

"Don't Cry, Butterfly" by  Dương Diệu Linh

Best Director

Elizabeth Lo for "Mistress Dispeller"

Best Lead Performance

John Lloyd Cruz for "Moneyslapper"

Shenina Cinnamon for "Tale of the Land"

Best Screenplay 

"Happyend" by Neo Sora

Artistic Achievement Award

Marcus Cheng and Hsu Kuei-Ting, Pierce

QC Shorts International

Best Short Film 

"Kinakausap ni Celso Ang Diyos" by Gilb Baldoza

Special Mention

"Are We Still Friends?" by AI Ridwan

Jury Prize 

"Washhh" by Mickey Lai

Gender Sensitivity Award

Rampage! (O Ang Parada)" by Kukay Bautista Zinampan

New Horizons Prize for Best First Film 

"Toxic by Saule Bliuvaite

Netpac Jury Price for Best Asian First Film

"Cu Li Never Cries" by Pham Ngoc Lan

RainbowQC Prize for Best LGBTQ Film

"Sebastian" by Mikko Mäkelä

"Baby" by Marcelo Caetano

Special Mention RainbowQC Prize

"My Sunshine" by Hiyoshi Okuyama

QCinema Critics Lab Young Critics Prize

"Kinakausap ni Celso ang Diyos" by Gilb Baldoza

"Here We Are" by Chanasorn Chaikitiporn

Alexis Tioseco and Nika Bohinc Award for Film Criticism 

Ligaya Villablanca

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