Barbie Forteza receives first int’l acting award

MANILA – Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza bagged the Best Actress award in the Director’s Week section of this year’s Oporto International Film Festival – Fantasporto for her role as Nadia, a member of the Sama d’Laut ethnic group, in Louie Lagdameo Ignacio’s feature film “Laut.”

Forteza, however, was unable to personally receive the award. Ignacio, together with producers Baby Go and Ferdinand Lapuz, accepted the certificate and trophy on her behalf. He then shared a photo in his Instagram account to announce the good news. What followed was a quick exchange of praises and thanks.

“‘Di po ako makapaniwala! (I can’t believe it!),” the 18-year-old actress commented.

“‘Di ako nagkamali sa first choice ko! Sobrang laki ng tiwala ko sa’yo! (I’m not mistaken with my first choice! I believe in you!) So proud of you! And from the whole Laut team, congratulations!,” Ignacio replied.

Unable to attend the awarding ceremony, Forteza took to Twitter and Instagram to send her gratitude; she wrote “muito obrigado” which meant thank you in Portuguese.

https://twitter.com/dealwithBARBIE/status/706783231585206272%20

“Laut” is an advocacy film which featured the displaced Badjaus who struggled with the threat of being driven to the mountains away from life near flowing waters which they were accustomed to. It also won a Special Mention of the Jury award.