ACTRESS Judy Ann Santos bagged the Best Actress award at the 2025 Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal over the weekend for her powerful performance in the horror film “Espantaho.”
Santos uploaded photos and snaps on Instagram, showing her receiving her newest international acting award from the event.
“I would like to thank the jury, Fantasporto for the recognition. It is with great pride and honor that I’m here to represent my country which is the Philippines. To my husband and to my three children, they’ve always been my inspiration in every project I make. I’m just so happy I will be bringing the best souvenir. Thank you,” Santos said in her acceptance speech.
Santos was accompanied by her husband actor-host Ryan Agoncillo in attending the international film festival.
In a separate clip, the actress thanked and dedicated the award to the film’s director Chito S. RoƱo and all the people behind “Espantaho.”
“Siyempre para sa inyo hindi. Hindi naman ako makakarating dito kung hindi kayo ang kasama ko. So to God be the glory… Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!,” Santos said.
“Espantaho” was one of the official entries to last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, where Santos also took home the Best Actress trophy.
Other cast members of “Espantaho” include Lorna Tolentino, JC Santos, Mon Confiado, Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Kian Co, Archi Adamos, Chanda Romero, Eugene Domingo, Tommy Abuel, and Janice de Belen.
In her over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Santos has earned numerous acting awards, including prestigious Best Actress accolades from the Gawad Urian in 2005 and FAMAS Awards in 2007.
She has also starred in several iconic teleseryes, including the original āMara Claraā in 1992, āEsperanzaā in 1997, and her most recent teleserye, āStarlaā, in 2019. (ABS-CBN News)
