Max Eigenmann named Best Actress at 2019 Asia Pacific Screen Awards

Rising star @maxeigenmann wins Best Actress #APSA2019 pic.twitter.com/cVFzm85BK0

— Asia Pacific Screen Awards & Forum (@APScreenAwards) November 21, 2019

Max Eigenmann took home the Best Actress award at the 2019 Asia Pacific Screen Awards for playing the role of an abused wife in the film “Verdict.”

In her acceptance speech, as she received her trophy at the awards ceremony in Brisbane, Australia on Thursday, November 21, Max said bagging the title was “beyond anything that I expected or imagined.”

“Being here tonight has truly been one of the most momentous and exciting experiences of my life,” she said.

The actress expressed her gratitude to her manager Ricky Gallardo, whom she said has “taken really great care” of her throughout her career, “Verdict’s” director Raymund Ribay Gutierrez, and producer Brillante Mendoza for trusting and guiding her.

“I’d like to share this honor with my cast and crew, most especially my co-star, Kristoffer King, who played my husband in the movie and he passed away two months after we wrapped up the film, so I really like to share this with him,” she said.

Max turned emotional as she mentioned her partner, who has been patient and supportive of her, and her children for being her inspiration and motivation in everything she does.

“I’d like to thank my parents. My mom, who always pushes me to be the best that I can be, and most especially my dad, who I know is looking down on me from heaven right now, extremely proud,” she said.

“This is for you, Philippines! Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino (Long live, Philippine cinema)!” she ended.

“Verdict,” a crime drama film, tells the story of Joy who files a case against her abusive husband, Dante, when her daughter, Angel, also becomes involved in such a violent struggle.

It was earlier announced that the movie was chosen as the country’s entry for the Foreign Language Film category of the Academy Award or The Oscars in 2020.

Last September, the “Verdict” won the Special Jury Prize at the 76th Venice Film Festival.