Veteran actor Eddie Garcia hailed Best Actor in 42nd Gawad Urian

Congrats Tito Eddie, we love you (Photo: Benedict Mique/Facebook)

Multi-awarded actor Eddie Garcia has added another feather to his cap as he was hailed as the best actor in the 42nd Gawad Urian.

The 90-year-old actor won the award for his role in the 2018 martial law-themed movie, “ML,” where he was the retired colonel who tortures students in his basement. Eddie was also nominated for the same award for his role in “Hintayan ng Langit.”

It was “ML’s” director, Benedict Mique, Jr., who went up to the stage to receive the award on Eddie’s behalf, as the latter is still in a coma following an accident last June 8 while taping for a television series in Tondo, Manila.

Reading the acceptance speech from the actor’s family, an  Benedict said, “Karangalan ng pamilya na tanggapin ang inyong muling pagkilala kay Eddie. Pangatlo na itong award na kanyang natatanggap mula sa natatanging Gawad Urian (It is an honor for our family to receive this another recognition of Eddie. This is the third award that he received from the prestigious Gawad Urian).” Eddie has won the same award in 2000 for his film “Deathrow” and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.

“While he has remained in a comatose state since June 8, the day of his accident, isipin niyo siya ‘yung nakatayo rito at nakatanaw sa inyong lahat, abot tenga ang ngiti [at] punong-puno ng pagmamahal para sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino na kanyang pinaglingkuran ng 70 taon (imagine that he is standing here, looking at all of you, smiling from ear to ear and full of love for the Filipino film industry which he has served for 70 years),” the emotional director continued.

After delivering the message of Eddie’s family, Benedict also thanked the veteran actor for his generosity, love, and professionalism.

“Ibigay po natin sa kanya ‘yung (Let’s give him the) National Artist award,” the filmmaker said.

On Facebook, Benedict shared a photo of Eddie’s hand with his award and a rosary.

“Congrats Tito Eddie, we love you,” he said in his caption.