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Marian Rivera Takes Home First Cinemalaya Best Actress Award for “Balota”

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Marian Rivera celebrated her 40th birthday a day early with a momentous win at the 2024 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. The Kapuso Primetime Queen bagged her first-ever Cinemalaya Best Actress award for her stellar performance in the film “Balota.“

Rivera, known for her roles in mainstream teleseryes, took a daring leap into independent cinema with “Balota.” She portrays Teacher Emmy, a public school teacher thrust into the heart of a chaotic election season. When violence erupts in her town, Emmy embarks on a perilous escape, determined to protect the integrity of the vote by safeguarding the ballot box.

The film’s gritty realism and Rivera’s powerful portrayal resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Social media buzzed with praise for her acting chops, with netizens celebrating her foray into independent cinema.

In her emotional acceptance speech, Rivera expressed her gratitude to the Cinemalaya community, her GMA Network family, and especially director Kip Oebanda who entrusted her with the role. She also acknowledged the film’s dedicated crew and her supportive husband, Dingdong Dantes, who encouraged her to embrace the challenge.

Rivera’s win marks a significant milestone in her career. Not only does it showcase her versatility as an actress, but it also underscores the growing recognition of her talent beyond mainstream television. “Balota” is a testament to her commitment to pushing boundaries and tackling diverse roles.

The Best Actress award serves not just as a personal victory for Rivera, but also as an inspiration to aspiring actors and actresses. It demonstrates that success can be found beyond the confines of traditional genres and that excellence in acting can be celebrated on both mainstream and independent platforms. Marian Rivera’s Cinemalaya triumph proves that her talent shines brightly, regardless of the stage.

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