Judy Ann Santos Wins Best Actress at Fantasporto Film Festival • PINOYSTOP

Photo via Judy Ann Santos (@officialjuday) / Instagram

Veteran actress Judy Ann Santos won Best Actress at the 45th Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal for her role in the horror film Espantaho. This is her second Best Actress win for the same role, following her victory at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Proud Moment for the Philippines

Judy Ann personally accepted the award and expressed gratitude to the Fantasporto jury. She dedicated the honor to her director Chito Roño, writer Chris Martinez, and producer Atty. Joji Alonso. She also thanked her husband, Ryan Agoncillo, and their three children.

“It is with great pride and honor that I’m here to represent my country, the Philippines,” she said.

She attended the festival with Agoncillo, who later shared a photo of her holding the trophy. His Instagram post read, “Happy to be here.”

Celebrities Show Their Support

Many of Santos’ fellow actors congratulated her, including Iza Calzado, Marvin Agustin, Jolina Magdangal, Beth Tamayo, Kean Cipriano, Isabelle Daza, Ogie Alcasid, and Dingdong Dantes.

Producer Atty. Joji Alonso also shared her happiness in a Facebook post. She pointed out that Asian and North American films received high recognition at this year’s festival, with Santos standing out in the Fantasy Film category.

Historic Achievement

The Fantasporto International Film Festival is one of the world’s most respected genre film festivals. Santos is now the fourth Filipino actor to receive an acting award at the event, joining Barbie Forteza, Ian Veneracion, and Cristine Reyes.

Her performance in Espantaho has been widely praised, strengthening her reputation as one of the Philippines’ most respected actresses.

Santos remains dedicated to her craft and continues to bring pride to the country. With her growing success, she proves that Filipino talent can shine on the world stage.

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