KaladKaren makes history as first MMFF Best Supporting Actress transwoman winner
Jervi Li, aka KaladKaren, made history at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) by becoming the first-ever transwoman to win its Best Supporting Actress title.
The comedienne-host and impersonator gained acknowledgment for her portrayal in Here Comes the Groom. The project is a sequel to the 2010 film Here Comes the Bride, starring Angelica Panganiban, Tom Rodriguez, and Eugene Domingo, among others.
Furthermore, the movie revolves around the story of Enchong Dee, an engaged man who is close to getting married. However, a car accident in a magnetic field amidst a solar eclipse allowed him to switch souls with KaladKaren, a transwoman and a pageant goer.
Thus, a fun-filled riot engulfs the characters in the dilemma of their newfound existence while attempting to recover their original bodies.
KaladKaren becomes first MMFF Best Supporting Actress transwoman winner
In clinching the Best Supporting Actress, KaladKaren outpaced two female artists vying for the same award. The other nominees were Maris Racal for Here Comes the Groom and Ana Abad Santos for Love You Long Time.
On April 11, KaladKaren received her trophy during the Summer MMFF 2023: Gabi ng Parangal held at the New Frontier Theater. She showed up astonished on stage but immediately delivered her acceptance speech.
“Alam niyo po, itong parangal na ito ay hindi lamang recognition ng aking trabaho, kundi pati na rin po ng aking pagkatao,” she stated. The 30-year-old shared she never expected any recognition in showbiz, stressing she once thought she can never be enough.
“Kaya napakahalaga po nitong award na ito para sa akin. And I want to share this [with] all transgender people, drag artists, [and] members of the LGBTQIA+ community whose lives and existence are being threatened in the world right now. Para sa inyo po itong lahat ito.”
Concluding her speech, KaladKaren reminded every trans like her that they are more than enough. She also celebrated the thriving Filipino film industry.
Congratulations, Summer MMFF 2023 Best Supporting Actress Jervi Li!
