This historic victory marks history repeating itself for GMA Pictures, which secured back-to-back Best Picture wins following Firefly’s triumph in 2023. It also harkens back to the studio’s legendary feat 25 years ago when Jose Rizal (1998) and Muro-Ami (1999) claimed consecutive MMFF top honors.
At the Gabi ng Parangal held at Solaire Resort, Green Bones clinched multiple prestigious awards:
• Best Actor: Dennis Trillo
• Best Supporting Actor: Ruru Madrid
• Best Child Performer: Sienna Stevens
• Best Screenplay: Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza
• Best Cinematography: Neil Daza
Although Green Bones emerged as the biggest winner of the 2024 MMFF, GMA Network Senior Vice President and GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Valdes shared the film’s coveted Best Picture award with the other nine movies in the festival. She recognized the dedication and passion of all filmmakers, stating:
“To make a film, it takes blood, sweat, and tears — and resources. Talagang we really risked it all because we want to tell a story, and I hope that people listen to all these wonderful, outstanding stories of these movies.”
The rousing success of Green Bones is a testament to GMA Pictures Executive Vice President Nessa Valdellon’s vision of showcasing the network’s homegrown talent on the big screen. While casting acting legend Dennis Trillo was inevitable, Ruru Madrid’s inclusion was a bold choice. Despite years in television, Green Bones marks the Sparkle star’s first major film role — a gamble that paid off tremendously. Ruru’s skillful, heartfelt performance earned him the Best Supporting Actor award.
Critics and audiences alike have rallied behind Green Bones. The Manila Feed described it as an “MMFF 2024 Best Picture frontrunner” with a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. LionhearTV and My Movie World echoed similar praise, lauding its story, direction, performances, and visuals. Influencer account Lakwatsera Lovers even gave it an 11/10, raving about its writing, cast, and director Zig Dulay.
Rappler called the film “raw yet controlled […] a movie that will make you think, feel, and maybe even cry a little (or a lot).” The Manila Times hailed it as a masterpiece and an emotional tour de force, calling it “one of the finest films to grace the Metro Manila Film Festival in recent years […] an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.”
PhilStar highlighted Dennis Trillo’s “high-wire act” as the convicted killer Dom Zamora, praising his ability to bring complex roles to life with “pathos, clarity, and gravitas.” The publication also commended Ruru Madrid, who portrayed the hard-line, traumatized prison guard Xavier Gonzaga, for holding his own against his co-star and industry veterans, delivering an unforgettable performance.
Child actor Sienna Stevens, who learned sign language for her pivotal role alongside Dennis Trillo, earned acclaim for her strong chemistry with him and her moving, dialogue-free performance, which won her the Best Child Performer award. Fellow Sparkle artists Royce Cabrera and Mikoy Morales also received recognition for their convincing portrayals of incarcerated gay lovers, despite having limited screen time.
Audience members were often moved to tears during screenings of Green Bones, overwhelmed by its emotional impact. Social media is flooded with glowing reactions. The popular Facebook page Mubi Rebyu, which ranked the film #1, described it as “may kabuluhan at di makakalimutan.” National Artist and screenwriter Ricky Lee has been widely praised for his enduring brilliance, with some calling for his immortalization. Many agree that director Zig Dulay deserves laurels for his cinematic excellence.
With Green Bones, GMA Pictures once again proves that powerful, poignant storytelling and bold casting choices resonate deeply with audiences, solidifying its place as a force to reckon with in Philippine cinema.
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