WATCH: Stunned Jaclyn Jose holds back tears as she delivers speech at Cannes
MANILA, Philippines — Actress Jaclyn Jose delivered an emotional speech as she was receiving her Best Actress award for Brillante Mendoza's "Ma' Rosa" at the 69th Cannes International Film Festival on Sunday, May 22.
"I don't know what to say...I just... I am so surprised," Jose said with a shaking voice.
The 52-year-old actress, who went up the stage with her director Mendoza and real-life daughter Andi Eigenmann went on to thank Cannes and the jury for appreciating the film and Mendoza for being a best director that lead her to winning the award.
"I was just following whatever he is saying and telling me to do, so I give my thanks to Brillante. He is such a brilliant director and genius in the film industry."
In delivering the speech, Jose, visibly overwhelmed, even called on her daughter to help her deliver her speech.
Jose also dedicated her triumph to her fellow Filipinos.
"I would also like to share this recognition to all the Filipinos who are here now... to my countrymen, to the Philippines," she said.
Jose's victory marks the first time a Filipino has bagged a performing award at the prestigious film festival.
Playing the role of a mother who was forced to sell drugs to survive, Jose bested celebrated foreign actors Charlize Theron and Marion Cotillard.
The last time the Philippines won in Cannes was the best director award of Mendoza for “Kinatay” in 2009. — Alixandra Caole Vila; Video editing by Efigenio Toledo IV, courtesy of Festival de Cannes
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