Filipino actor Arjo Atayde got the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 2020 Asian Academy Creative Awards as he “nailed the complexity of his character,” a barber named “Benjo” in the socio-political series “Bagman.”
Arjo was announced as the winner of the award on Friday, December 4, besting nine other actors representing China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
The 30-year-old actor started his acceptance speech by thanking ABS-CBN, Dreamscape Entertainment, Rein Entertainment, his director, as well as writers for giving him such an opportunity, saying he “rode your imagination, you brought me here.” He also thanked his co-actors and the Asian Academy Creative Awards.
“This means so much to me, to everyone else, to every actor who’s existed tonight and showed their brilliance, their art — we love the same thing, we’re just here doing the same thing — and it’s a dream come true, man, [it is] amazing,” he said, adding that he was glad to showcase Filipino talent.
“There’s a lot of brilliant actors and I just hope for them to be able to show you even more of what we have in our country. I hope this is not the first and last, I hope this is the beginning of everything,” he continued.
iWantTFC shared on its social media accounts the video clip of the announcement of the Best Actor in a Leading Role winner, along with Arjo’s speech. Their post was flooded with congratulatory messages from many Filipinos. His girlfriend, “Eat Bulaga” host Maine Mendoza, was one of those who congratulated the actor, calling herself his “biggest fan.”
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In an Instagram post, Arjo said he has always wanted to represent the Philippines in any way he can, even before he started his career in the entertainment industry.
“Nine years into my work in this industry, I was finally given the chance. Even without the decision, I am extremely grateful for the appreciation and recognition of what I do,” he wrote.
“All I want to do is act and inspire. Thank you for making this dream of mine come true!” he added.
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