Cesar Montano looks back on 1999 MMFF Best Actor snub for his 'Muro-ami' performance

Cesar Montano looked back on his Best Actor snub at the 1999 Metro Manila Film Festival now that "Muro-ami" is returning to cinemas following its digital restoration.

On Wednesday episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," the King of Talk recalled that "Muro-ami" won 13 out of its 14 nominations in 1999, except for Best Actor.

He asked Cesar for his thoughts about the losing the award to Christopher de Leon, who won for his performance in "Bulaklak ng Maynila."

"Hindi ako nasaktan," the veteran actor said. "Actually, I take it positively."

"Hindi po ginagawa ni Boyet 'to. Sabi niya, 'Kay Montano 'to eh,'" Cesar said. "Para sa isang Boyet De Leon? Alam n'yo, para akong tumanggap ng sampung best actor award nung sinabi ni Boyet 'yun."

The remastered "Muro-ami" premieres in cinemas on Wednesday, June 3. It is directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and written by Ricky Lee and Jun Robles Lana.

Aside from Cesar, the film also starred Pen Medina, Jhong Hilario, Amy Austria, and featured Rebecca Lusterio.

The movie tackled the controversial and dangerous practice of using child divers in fishing operations.

"Muro-ami" showed the illegal fishing method historically practiced on coral reefs in the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News