In a night that celebrated cinematic excellence, legacy, and artistic impact, ‘Green Bones’ emerged as the dominant winner at the 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (EDDYS) Awards held at the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.
Directed by Zig Dulay and produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, ‘Green Bones’ earned five major accolades, including Best Picture, Best Director (Zig Dulay), Best Actor (Dennis Trillo), Best Supporting Actor (Ruru Madrid), and Best Cinematography (Neil Daza). The gritty prison drama, which premiered during the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, follows a man wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of his sister and niece, and explores the harrowing pursuit of justice and redemption.
“Of course, this performance will not be possible if not for the guidance of master choreographer and storyteller behind the camera, director Zig Dulay,” said Dennis Trillo in his acceptance speech. “Thank you to all those who have been watching movies up to now, spending their money, lining up in the box office and buying their tickets. Thank you to my inspiration in life, my family, my commander-in-chief at home, Ms Jennylyn Mercado.”
The EDDYS, organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), continues to champion films that reflect societal truths and inspire cultural dialogue.
Marian Rivera took home the Best Actress trophy for ‘Balota’, where she played a public school teacher safeguarding ballot boxes during a volatile election season. “Kung hindi ako artista, siguro teacher ako,” she said, dedicating the award to all educators.
Lorna Tolentino won Best Supporting Actress for portraying a ghost in Chito Roño’s supernatural thriller ‘Espantaho’.
Aga Muhlach shared Best Supporting Actor honors with Ruru Madrid for his performance in Dan Villegas’ crime drama ‘Uninvited’.
The ceremony paid tribute to six icons of Philippine cinema with Movie Icon Awards:
- Laurice Guillen, Odette Khan, Pen Medina, Perla Bautista (represented by Renz Spangler), and the legendary couple Rosemarie Gil and Eddie Mesa (represented by grandchildren Max Eigenmann and Sid Lucero).
- National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik was also among the honorees.
“There is no one who enters this profession who does not deal with the press,” said Guillen. “After 50 years in the business, we are celebrating our friendship.”
The show also honored late icons of showbiz in a solemn in memoriam segment:
- Ice Seguerra performed Walang Hanggang Paalam for Regal matriarch Mother Lily Monteverde.
- Carla Guevarra-Laforteza sang Handog for columnist Lolit Solis.
- Jackielou Blanco paid tribute to her mother Pilita Corrales with Kapantay ay Langit.
- Kuh Ledesma delivered Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan for Nora Aunor, National Artist for Film & Broadcast Arts.
The EDDYS recognized top-grossing actors and films that exceeded ₱100 million in sales:
- Alden Richards & Kathryn Bernardo (Hello, Love, Again)
- Julia Barretto & Joshua Garcia (Un/Happy For You)
- Vice Ganda (And The Breadwinner Is…)
- Vic Sotto & Piolo Pascual (The Kingdom)
- Dennis Trillo & Ruru Madrid (Green Bones)
Special Citations:
- Producer of the Year: GMA Pictures (accepted by Annette Gozon-Valdes and Nessa Valdellon)
- Rising Producer of the Year: Nathan Studios (Sylvia Sanchez)
- Joe Quirino Award: Ogie Diaz
- Manny Pichel Award: Crispina Martinez-Belen
- Isah V. Red Award: RS Francisco
Technical and Artistic Awards
- Best Editing: Vanessa Ubas De Leon (My Future You)
- Best Original Theme Song: My Future You
- Best Production Design: Nestor Abrogena (The Kingdom)
- Best Screenplay: Vicente Groyon (Under a Piaya Moon)
- Best Musical Score: Vincent de Jesus (Isang Himala)
- Best Sound: John Eric Mancera (Topakk)
- Best Visual Effects: Gaspar Mangarin & Walter Monte (Espantaho)
Proceeds from the EDDYS 2025 benefited the Little Ark Foundation, a nonprofit for underprivileged children battling illness. Actor Beaver Magtalas visited the foundation to spend time and distribute goods.
SPEEd President Salve Asis underscored the role of cinema beyond entertainment. “Films reflect our struggles, our hopes, our values, and our truths. They tell our stories.”
The event was co-presented by Playtime, Newport World Resorts, ABS-CBN, Globe, Unilab, and other partners including Beautederm, Puregold CinePanalo, and Brightlight Entertainment. Direction was by Eric Quizon.
Gen Z stars Darren Espanto, Kaila Estrada, Kyline Alcantara, and Alexa Ilacad hosted the awards night, while Alexa Miro and Mr. Fu helmed the red carpet program.
The EDDYS 2025 will air on delayed telecast via Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, and iWantTFC on July 27.
