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Filipino actor John Arcilla wins the Best Actor award at the 2021 Venice Film Festival for his performance in the film On the Job: The Missing 8, making him the first Filipino actor to do so.

The former Encantadia star has beaten Hollywood actor Benedict Cumberbatch for the said acting award.

On the Job: The Missing 8 is a crime thriller that tackles corruption and fake news, where John plays Sisoy Salas, a corrupt reporter for a local newspaper.

It is directed by Erik Matti and also stars Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo. Plus, it is the only Southeast Asian film to make it to the main competition of the 78th Venice Film Festival.

Since John wasn't able to attend the 78th Venice Film Festival in person, he gave his acceptance speech virtually and it was director Erik Matti who received his Coppa Volpi for Best Actor on his behalf.

“If there's one thing I will regret tonight, I won't be able to kiss my Volpi Cup in Venice,” John said in his acceptance speech. “I'm the happiest actor tonight because I know we came from different countries, we have different cultures, but I can feel oneness tonight. I can feel that you understand me, and we understand each other because of the arts and cinema. Thank you so much.”

In his Instagram account, John shared a longer version of his acceptance speech and expressed his gratitude for the recognition.

Part of his caption reads, “What a Cup full of LIFE. Thank you 78th Venice International Film Festival. I cannot put any word about how I feel today! This VOLPI CUP is such a symbol of a milestone in my work as an actor.”

He also dedicated his victory to his loved ones, especially those who have already passed away.

“This most prestigious award I received today lift up my spirit to the heavens and I am transforming this joy, achievement or victory or honor into love so that the the loved ones I am missing can feel my heart loving them.”

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A post shared by JOHN ARCILLA Official (@johnarcilla)

A day before his monumental win, John manifested it by sharing photos of previous winners of the prestigious award such Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem, Wilhem Dafoe, and Sean Penn.

He captioned it, “Here is the roster of some great actors who won the most coveted Volpi Cup at the Venice international Film Festival. I wish we can have one someday! Hahahaha if you dream as they say. Dream big! God bless everyone.”

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A post shared by JOHN ARCILLA Official (@johnarcilla)

And true enough, the Philippines now has a Venice Film Festival Best Actor winner.

Congratulations, John Arcilla!

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