Alfred Vargas, actor and politician, won his third Best Actor award for his role in the film Pieta.
The latest recognition came from the Ima Wa Ima Asian International Film Festival in Osaka, Japan. This marks a “three-peat” win for Vargas, who also earned Best Actor awards for the same film at the 72nd FAMAS Awards and the 3rd WuWei Taipei International Film Festival.
“Pieta,” a mother-son suspense drama, is directed by Adolf Alix and stars National Artist Nora Aunor and multi-awarded actress and director Gina Alajar. The film has garnered critical acclaim, with Vargas joining an exclusive list of Filipino actors who have achieved three Best Actor awards for a single film, such as Piolo Pascual, Christopher de Leon, Allen Dizon, and Coco Martin.
In an interview, Vargas shared his gratitude for the recognition: “I am very humbled and proud to receive this award! To God be the Glory! Ang daming nominees from other countries like Japan, Korea, Indonesia among others, at nakakataba ng puso na na-recognize ‘yung performance natin for Pieta. I am very honored kasi international recognition ito at kahit papano ay narepresent natin ang Pilipinas dito at naiwagayway natin ang ating bandila together for other Pinoy awardees. Kayang-kaya talaga nating makipagsabayan sa world stage at ang creativity at talent ng Pilipino ay walang kaparis! I want to thank our superstar Miss Nora Aunor for accepting this project. Kay Direk Gina Alajar for guiding me and always supporting me pagdating sa improvement ng aking craft. And kay Direk Adolf Alix for bringing everyone together for this film. Kung wala sila, wala ako dito ngayon.”
The Ima Wa Ima Asian International Film Festival, held on December 1, 2024, at Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Main Hall, was organized by the Global Maharlika in Kansai, the Philippine Community Coordinating Council, the Korean Residents Union in Japan, and the Kyomigaru Creative Collective Group. The festival recognizes outstanding Asian talent in film, television, and new media.
During the event, Vargas delivered an emotional speech, thanking his co-stars, director, and family for their unwavering support. A touching moment was when he called his son, Cristiano, onstage to dedicate the award to him. “Anak (Cristiano), para sa iyo ang award na ito. Pinaghirapan ito ni Daddy. Always remember that I will always be by your side no matter what. Reach for your dreams. At kung mangangarap ka na rin lang, mangarap ka nang malaki. Don’t forget, balang araw when you’re successful at nasa rurok ka na ng tagumpay, nasa itaas ka na, huwag mong kakalimutan na lalong tumulong sa mga mas nangangailangan, yung mga nasa baba huwag mong kalimutan. Tsaka family is everything, anak,” Vargas said.
In addition to Vargas’ award, “Pieta” also received the Best Screenplay award for Jerry Gracio.
The event highlighted the talents of various Asian artists, including Japanese actors Shun Shioya and Adone Kudo, and South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, who were also honored during the ceremony.
