Judy Ann Santos Shines Bright as Best Actress at Fantasporto
- Judy Ann Santos wins Best Actress at Fantasporto 2025 for ‘Espantaho’
- She raised her trophy at the 45th Fantasporto Film Festival in Portugal
- This is her second win for the same role after winning at MMFF 2024
- Judy Ann thanked her family and husband Ryan Agoncillo for their support
- She is proud to bring honor to the Philippines
- "Espantaho" was one of the 10 official entries at MMFF 2024
- This is the fourth time a Filipino actor has won at Fantasporto, with previous wins in 2016, 2018, and 2020
Award-winning actress Judy Ann Santos proudly raised her Best Actress trophy at the 45th Fantasporto Film Festival in Porto, Portugal. The Filipina actress was recognized for her outstanding performance in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry “Espantaho,” which also earned her the Best Actress award in the local film festival.
Judy Ann Santos is the fourth Filipino actor to receive this prestigious award at the annual Portuguese film festival, which celebrates science fiction, fantasy, and horror movies. During her acceptance speech, Judy Ann humorously remarked on the weight of her trophy, joking that it would add to her excess baggage on the trip back home to the Philippines.
The talented actress expressed her gratitude to her children and husband, Ryan Agoncillo, who was present in the audience to support her. Judy Ann also expressed her pride in representing the Philippines on the international stage and bringing honor to her country.
“Porto is just a beautiful city, and I’m so happy to bring home the best souvenir,” Judy Ann said as she concluded her speech, reflecting on her memorable experience at the film festival.
The film “Espantaho,” known as “Scarecrow” in the international film festival circuit, was one of the official entries at the 50th MMFF. Directed by Chito Roño and written by Chris Martinez, the horror film showcased Judy Ann’s exceptional acting skills, earning her critical acclaim both locally and internationally.
This is not the first time Judy Ann Santos has received the Best Actress award at Fantasporto. She previously won the same award for her performance in the MMFF, making her a consistent standout in the Philippine film industry.
Judy Ann follows in the footsteps of other talented Filipino actors who have been recognized at Fantasporto. Barbie Forteza was the first Filipino to win at the prestigious film festival in 2016 for her role in “Laut.” Ian Veneracion and Cristine Reyes also claimed Best Actor awards in 2018 and 2020, respectively, showcasing the diverse talent within the Philippine film community.
As Judy Ann Santos celebrates her latest achievement, fans and industry insiders alike are excited to see what the future holds for the award-winning actress. Her dedication to her craft and ability to captivate audiences both at home and abroad have solidified her status as one of the most respected and talented actresses in the Philippines.
With her recent win at Fantasporto, Judy Ann Santos continues to make her mark on the global stage, proving that Filipino talent shines brightly in the world of cinema. Congratulations to Judy Ann Santos on her well-deserved Best Actress award at the 45th Fantasporto Film Festival!
/Digital Sauce
