John Arcilla: Best Actor at the 78th Venice Film Festival

Kapamilya actor John Arcilla triumphed the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 78th Venice Film Festival held in Venice, Italy for his outstanding performance in the film "On the Job: The Missing 8."

Director Erik Matti, producer and director of the movie, receives the coveted trophy on behalf John Arcilla for his role as Sisoy Salas. The awarding ceremony was held at northeastern Italian city on early Sunday, September 12, 2021.

Arcilla, who wasn't in Italy, pre-recorded a video of his virtual acceptance speech that was uploaded by Dennis Trillo on Instagram.

"If there is something I really regret tonight, it is I won't be able to kiss my own Volpi cup there in the middle of Venice and on that red carpet just like all other 77 actors who I admire who have kissed their own prestigious award one actor could ever have," he began.

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A Cup Full of Life

"If there's one thing that made me the happiest tonight is because I know for a fact that we came from different countries, different continents with different cultures, colors, creeds, or languages. But I can feel the oneness, this tremendous oneness and understanding. I know that we can understand each other despite our differences and it’s because of the arts – the arts of cinema,” he said.

In his caption on Instagram, Arcilla wrote that the Volpi Cup is “a symbol of milestone” in his work as an actor for several years. “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 loved ones I am missing can feel my heart loving them,” he said.

Last month, the Film Development Council of the Philippines released that "On the Job: The Missing 8" is the only Southeast Asian film selected for the In Competition section.

The 208-minute crime thriller is a sequel to On the Job (released in 2013). The story follows journalist Sisoy Salas (Arcilla) who investigates the disappearance of his colleagues and of Roman Rubio (Trillo), a prisoner temporarily brought out of prison to carry out executions of gun-for-hire business.

Also in the cast are Christopher de Leon, Leo Martinez, Joey Marquez, Vandolph Quizon, Agot Isidro, Eric Fructuoso and Soliman Cruz, among others.

The film is a follow-up to the internationally acclaimed action-crime film “On the Job” in 2013, which starred Gerald Anderson and Joel Torre.

The 78th Venice International Film Festival ran from Sept. 1 to Sept. 11 in Italy.