Ian Veneracion wins his first ever Best Actor award at the MMFF

Ian Veneracion wins his first ever Best Actor award at the MMFF

‘Nanahimik Ang Gabi’ star Ian Veneracion says that the MMFF nod is his first Best Actor award after working 40 years in showbiz.

As the star of Rein Entertainment’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry Nanahimik Ang Gabi, Ian Veneracion plays a different kind of role in the erotic suspense thriller where he plays a corrupt police officer who goes on a secret weekend getaway with his “sugar baby” (played by Heaven Peralejo). Then things take a dark turn when their rendezvous gets interrupted by a dark intruder (Mon Confiado).

During the 48th MMFF Gabi ng Parangal, the 47-year-old actor received an unexpected surprise when he emerged as the Best Actor winner, besting other nominees like Noel Trinidad of Family Matters and Jake Cuenca of My Father, Myself. In his acceptance speech, Ian shared his appreciation for the recognition and also gave credit to his co-stars in the film.

‘This fictional movie has so many layers of truth underneath. I’d also like to thank my co-stars si Mon Confiado and Heaven Peralejo. Because as actors we just react to our co-actors. Kumbaga sa sayaw, kung saan ka dadalhin, dun ka madadala. So thank you so much. And I’ve been in the movie industry for 40 years and this is the first time I’ve received a Best Actor award. Thank you so much,” he said.

Ian got into showbiz at the age of seven where he first appeared in RPN channel 9’s show Joey and Son. He joined German Moreno’s iconic teen variety show That’s Entertainment in 1986 before making a slew of action films in the ‘90s. In 2019, Ian started focusing on his singing career and celebrated his 40th year anniversary in showbiz this year.

Aside from bagging the Best Actor award, Nanahimik Ang Gabi also won Best Supporting Actor (Mon Confiado), Third Best Picture, Best Production Design, and Best Musical Score. Ian also took home the male Star of the Night award.

Nanahimik Ang Gabi is written and directed by Shugo Praico under Rein Entertainment and produced by Lino Cayetano and Philip King.