Young Critics Circle


The Young Critics Circle - Film Desk is a society of film critics and an award-giving body for cinema in the Philippines. It was established in 1990 and had its first awarding in 1991.

Establishment

In 1990, a group of young reviewers and critics decided to form a body that aimed to evaluate works of art in various disciplines. Founding members include Mike Feria, Joy Barrios, Jojo Buenconsejo, Eric Caruncho, Melissa Contreras, Jaime Daroy, Joel David, Gin de Mesa, Patrick Flores, Francine Medina, Charlson Ong, Mozart Pastrano, Danilo Reyes, and Antonio Tinio. Each member specialized on one or more disciplines or “desks”. At present, only the Film Desk is existing.
The Film Desk of the Young Critics Circle first gave its annual citations in film achievement in 1991, a year after the YCC was organized. In their Declaration of Principles, the members expressed the belief that cultural texts always call for active readings, “interactions” in fact among different readers who have the “unique capacities to discern, to interpret, and to reflect… evolving a dynamic discourse in which the text provokes the most imaginative ideas of our time.”
The Film Desk has committed itself to the discussion of film in the various arenas of academe and media, with the hope of fostering an alternative and emergent articulation of film critical practice, even within the severely debilitating culture of “awards.”

Members

The members of the YCC who review Filipino films and choose the winners of the annual YCC Citations are members of the academe coming from various disciplines, such art studies, literary studies, creative writing, anthropology, communication, philosophy, visual arts, Philippine studies, film studies, and history. Active members are:
YCC draws its selection from both regular and non-regular releases comprising the entirety of annual Philippine cinema output. Films considered for discussion are those that had at least two screenings before a paying or non-paying audience in any public venue. The group first comes up with a long list, where each film on the list is discussed as to its merits and demerits. The list is further narrowed down to a shortlist of any number. Only short-listed films earn the privilege to be nominated for any of the six main categories that are handed out each year. Except for the Best First Feature category, YCC does not confer nominations on artistic or technical merit if the film does not qualify in the short list.
The six awards handed out since 1990 are:
In 2013, the group added a new category, Best First Feature, to be given to filmmakers who directed the three best debut feature films of the year.

Winners

Best Film

The Young Critics Circle Award for Best Film is awarded to honor the best Filipino film of the year. Per YCC criteria, the award for Best Film "refers to vision and direction that pay sensitive and keen attention to both the language of cinema and social reality, in the process refunctioning the possibilities of film as progressive art and popular culture. The Best Film citation is awarded to the Director not so much because he or she is the auteur or the central intelligence of the film, but because his or her work lies at the conjuncture which coordinates filmmaking."
Directors with multiple Best Film wins include:
YearWinner/sDirector/s
1990Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?Gil Portes
1991Sa Kabila ng LahatLino Brocka
1992Ikaw Pa Lang ang MinahalCarlos Siguion-Reyna
1993Hindi Kita MalilimutanJose Javier Reyes
1994Vampira
Pangako ng Kahapon
Joey Romero
Joel Lamangan
1995NenaIke Jarlego, Jr.
1996MumbakiJose Antonio Perez
1997Batang PXJose Javier Reyes
1998Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?Chito Roño
1999SisaMario O'Hara
2000Bayaning Third World
Tanging Yaman
Mike De Leon
Laurice Guillen
2001Minsan May Isang PusoJose Javier Reyes
2002Dekada '70Chito Roño
2003Babae sa BreakwaterMario O'Hara
2004Minsan PaJeffrey Jeturian
2005MasahistaBrillante Mendoza
2006Inang YayaPablo Biglang-awa and Veronica Velasco
2007Foster ChildBrillante Mendoza
2008AdelaAdolfo Alix, Jr.
2009Bakal BoysRalston Jover
2010HimpapawidRaymond Red
2011HaruoAdolfo Alix, Jr.
2012QiyamahGutierrez Mangansakan II
2013PornoAdolfo Alix, Jr.
2014No winner
2015Da Dog ShowRalston Jover
2016Women of the Weeping RiverSheron Dayoc
2017BaconauaJoseph Israel Laban
2018Sa Palad ng Dantaong KulangJewel Maranan
2019Edward''Thop Nazareno

Best Performance

The YCC award for Best Performance refers to acting, to the playing out of a role or character that implicates emotion, feeling, and experience in the social conditions of the personal and in the political economies of habit and gesture and how these forge the body politic. The Best Performance citation is handed to the Performer, whether male or female, adult or child, in major or supporting role, individual or ensemble.
Since there is only one award given for performance, the YCC Best Performance Award is highly coveted in the Philippine film industry. Since the first awarding in 1991, Nora Aunor has the most nominations with thirteen, and the most wins with five.
is the most nominated actress with 13 nominations and the most Awarded performer of YCC
Aunor has been nominated for:
She won for Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?, Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M., Inay, The Flor Contemplacion Story, and Thy Womb.
Other multiple winners include:
YearWinner/sFilm
1990Nora AunorAndrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?
1991Nora Aunor
Aga Muhlach
Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M.
Joey Boy Munti
1992Maricel SorianoIkaw Pa Lang ang Minahal
1993Nora Aunor
Aga Muhlach
Inay
Hindi Kita Malilimutan
1994Maricel SorianoVampira
1995Nora AunorThe Flor Contemplacion Story
1996Christopher de LeonMadrasta
1997Patrick GarciaBatang PX
1998Vilma SantosBata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?
1999Elizabeth OropesaBulaklak ng Maynila
2000Gloria Romero
Hilda Koronel
Dina Bonnevie
Edu Manzano
Johnny Delgado
Joel Torre
Cherry Pie Picache
Marvin Agustin
Jericho Rosales
CJ Ramos
Shaina Magdayao
John Prats
Dominic Ochoa
Janet McBride
Carol Banawa
Tanging Yaman
2001Jaclyn JoseMinsan May Isang Puso
2002Vilma Santos
Piolo Pascual
Dekada '70
2003Katherine LunaBabae sa Breakwater
2004Dennis Trillo
Jomari Yllana

Minsan Pa
2005Coco MartinMasahista
2006Maricel SorianoInang Yaya
2007Jason AbalosEndo
2008Anita LindaAdela
2009Janice de BelenLast Viewing
2010Carla Abellana
Raul Arellano
Shake, Rattle and Roll 12: Punerarya
Himpapawid
2011Diana ZubiriBahay Bata
2012Nora AunorThy Womb
2013Carlo Aquino
Jhong Hilario
Porno
Badil
2014Eula Valdez and Nonie Buencamino Dagitab
2015Lou VelosoDa Dog Show
2016Laila UlaoWomen of the Weeping River
2017Anthony FalconMga Gabing Kasinghaba ng Hair Ko
2018Nadine LustreNever Not Love You
2019Isabel SandovalLingua Franca

Best Screenplay

Best Screenplay refers to the rhetoric of writing for film that articulates the complexity of social life and personal perturbation through narrative logic or political conviction; or simply through well-thought out dramatic tension that explores contestation between the personal and the political, the individual and the collective, the private and the public. The Best Screenplay award is given to the writer of the film.
Multiple Best Screenplay winners include:
YearWinner/sFilm
1990Ricardo LeeAndrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?
Hahamakin Lahat
1991Roy Iglesias
Jose Javier Reyes and Jake Tordesillas
Sa Kabila ng Lahat
Dinampot Ka Lang sa Putik
1992Raquel Villavicencio
Jose Javier Reyes
Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal
Iisa Pa Lamang
1993Jose Javier ReyesHindi Kita Malilimutan
1994Jose Dalisay, Jr.
Emmanuel Borlaza
Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang?
1995Lualhati BautistaNena
1996Amado Lacuesta
Antonio Jose Perez
Mumbaki
1997Jose Javier ReyesBatang PX
1998Lualhati BautistaBata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?
1999Mario O’HaraSisa
2000Shaira Mella Salvador
Raymond Lee
Laurice Guillen
Tanging Yaman
2001Jose Javier ReyesMinsan May Isang Puso
2002Lualhati BautistaDekada '70
2003Mario O’HaraBabae sa Breakwater
2004Armando LaoMinsan Pa
2005Ferdinand Lapuz
Brillante Mendoza
Boots Agbayani Pastor
Masahista
2006Veronica VelascoInang Yaya
2007Ralston JoverFoster Child
2008Adolfo Alix, Jr.
Nick Olanka
Adela
2009Armando LaoBiyaheng Lupa
2010Raymond RedHimpapawid
2011Rodolfo VeraNiño
2012Arnel MardoquioAng Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim
2013Ralston JoverPorno
2014No winner
2015Ralston JoverDa Dog Show
2016Ralston JoverMrs.
2017John Bedia
Andrian Legaspi
The Chanters
2018Gutierrez Mangansakan IIMasla A Papanok
2019John Bedia
Thop Nazareno
Denise O'Hara
Edward

Best Achievement in Editing

Best Achievement in Editing refers to the configuration of relationships of time and space among scenes in a film that is able to synthesize, engage in collision, reconcile, or transgress connections through the complex interplay of mise-en-scene and montage. The Best Editing trophy is given to the editor.
Three editors have received the YCC Editing award twice:
YearWinner/sFilm
1990George JarlegoGumapang Ka sa Lusak
1991Ike Jarlego Jr.Kailan Ka Magiging Akin
1992Jesus NavarroIkaw Pa Lang ang Minahal
1993Jose AlmojuelaAliwan Paradise
1994Danny GloriaVampira
1995Jaime DavilaDahas
1996Ruben PantojaIsla
1997Jesus NavarroMilagros
1998Roberto VasadreSana Pag-ibig Na
1999Roberto VasadrePila Balde
2000Armando JarlegoBayaning Third World
2001Tara IllenbergerMinsan May Isang Puso
2002Francis VinaraoDiskarte
2003Vito CajiliMalikmata
2004Manet Dayrit
Vito Cajili
Sigaw
Spirit of the Glass
2005Herbert NavascaMasahista
2006Randy GabrielInang Yaya
2007JD DomingoEndo
2008Aleks CastañedaAdela
2009Orlean Tan
Ralph Crisostomo
Miko Araneta
Engkwentro
2010David Hukom
Jay Halili
Raymond Red
Himpapawid
2011Charliebebs GohetiaSeñorita
2012Arnel Barbarona
Gutierrez Mangansakan II
Qiyamah
2013Aleks Castañeda
Jerrold Tarog
Porno
2014Benjamin TolentinoMariquina
2015Lawrence AngSalvage
2016Carlo Francisco ManatadWomen of the Weeping River
2017Shireen Seno
John Torres
Nervous Translation
2018Victoria ChalkCall Her Ganda
2019Diego Marx DoblesVerdict

Best Achievement in Cinematography and Visual Design

Best Achievement in Cinematography and Visual Design refers to the mise-en-scene and its visual/plastic qualities production design, lighting, art direction, visual effects that lend form to whatever representation is projected on screen. The Best Cinematography and Visual Design honor is conferred on the cinematographer and the production designer.
Multiple category winners include:
For Cinematography:
For Production Design:
YearWinnersFilm
1990Jun Pereira
Leo Abaya
Bakit Kay Tagal ng Sandali?
1991Jun Pereira
Charlie Arceo
Kailan Ka Magiging Akin?
1992Loreto Isleta
Raymond Bajarias
Tag-araw, Tag-ulan
1993Jun Dalawis
Charlie Arceo
Ikaw Lang
1994Johnny Araojo and Romulo Araojo
Benjie de Guzman
The Fatima Buen Story
1995Romeo Vitug
Manny Morfe
The Flor Contemplacion Story
1996Isagani Sioson
Lino Dalay and Willy Javier
Isla
1997Eduardo Jacinto
Len Santos
Milagros
1998Rey de Leon
James Quimson
Babae sa Bubungang Lata
1999Shayne Clemente
Ronnie Cruz
Pila Balde
2000Ding Achaocoso
Roy Lachica
Bayaning Third World
2001Neil Daza
Max Paglinawan and Fernan Santiago
2002Yam Laranas
Sammy Aranzamendez
Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon
2003Rey de Leon
Melody Teodoro
Babae sa Breakwater
2004Yam Laranas
Sammy Aranzamendez
Sigaw
2005Timmy Jimenez and Monchie Redoble
Benjamin Padero
Masahista
2006Gary Gardoce
Reji Regalado
Inang Yaya
2007Lav Diaz
Lav Diaz and Dante Perez
Death in the Land of Encantos
2008Albert Banzon
Adolfo Alix, Jr. and Jerome Zamora
Adela
2009Ogi Sugatan
Jesus Lozada
Biyaheng Lupa
2010Raymond Red
Danny Red
Himpapawid
2011Dexter dela Peña
Paul Marquez
Teoriya
2012Albert Banzon
Adolfo Alix, Jr.
Kalayaan
2013Nap Jamir
Edgar Martin Littaua
Lauriana
2014Rommel Sales
Whammy Alcazaren & Tessa Tang
Dagitab
2015Boy Yniguez, Lee Briones, Abi Lara, Santos Bayucca, Kidlat de Guia, Kawayan de Guia, and Kidlat Tahimik
Kidlat Tahimik
Balikbayan #1
2016Raphael Meting and Mark Limbaga
Joel Geolamen
Baboy Halas
2017T.M. Malones
Marielle Hizon
Baconaua
2018Jewel Maranan Sa Palad ng Dantaong Kulang
2019Isaac Banks
Maxwell Nalevansky and Clint Ramos
Lingua Franca

Best Achievement in Sound and Aural Orchestration

Best Achievement in Sound and Aural Orchestration refers to the rendering of the auditory aspects of film music, natural sound, sound effects as these are counterposed against or harmonized with the language of image, and so become meaningful sign systems on their own. The Best Sound citation is awarded to the sound engineer and the musical scorer or music curator.
Multiple category winners include:
For Sound Design:
For Music:
YearWinnersFilm
1990No award givenNo award given
1991Ryan Cayabyab
Gaudencio Barredo
Hihintayin Kita sa Langit
1992Vehnee Saturno
Vic Macamay
Hiram na Mukha
1993Ryan Cayabyab
Ramon Reyes
Kung Mawawala Ka Pa
1994Nonong Buencamino
Ramon Reyes
Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko
1995Jessie Lasaten
Audio Post
Dahas
1996Jaime Fabregas
Ramon Reyes
Mumbaki
1997Nonong Buencamino
Ramon Reyes
Milagros
1998Jaime Fabregas
Albert Michael Idioma
Curacha: Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga
1999Jesse Lucas
Albert Michael Idioma
Phone Sex
2000Lorrie Ilustre, Noel Cruz Bruan and Raffy Baladjay, Jr.
Jesse Lucas and Albert Michael Idioma
Bayaning Third World
Sugatang Puso
2001Nathan Brenholdt and Kormann Roque and Albert Michael Idioma
Jesse Lucas and Albert Michael Idioma

Minsan May Isang Puso
2002Nonong Buencamino
Albert Michael Idioma and Alex Tomboc
Dekada '70
2003Jesse Lucas
Ross Diaz
Babae sa Breakwater
2004Jesse Lucas
Albert Michael Idioma and Arnold Reodica
Sigaw
2005Jerrold Tarog
Nonoy Dadivas and Rudy Gonzales
Masahista
2006Nonong Buencamino
Mark Locsin and Angie Reyes
Inang Yaya
2007Owel Alvero
Corinne de San Jose and Mark Locsin
Endo
2008Mark Locsin and Jojo Jacinto
Ditoy Aguila and Junel Valencia
Adela
2009Gian Gianan
Ditoy Aguila
Biyaheng Lupa
2010Jerrold Tarog
Lamberto Casas Jr.
Shake, Rattle and Roll 12: Punerarya
2011Christine Muyco and Jema Pamintuan
Arnold Reodica
Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa
2012Teresa Barrozo and Ditoy Aguila
Raphael Pulgar and Arnel Barbarona
Kalayaan
Qiyamah
2013Ira Trofeo
Albert Michael Idioma
Porno
2014Jad Montenegro
Maki Serapio, Wrap Meting, and Mark Limbaga
Sonata Maria
2015Los Indios de España and Shanto
Ed de Guia
Balikbayan #1
2016Hiroko Nagai
Jess Carlos
Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian
2017Itos Ledesma
Mikko Quizon
Nervous Translation
2018Len Calvo
Jason Conanan, Kat Salinas and Mikko Quizon
Never Not Love You
2019Glenn Barit
Daryl Libongco
Nicole Amores, RJ Cantos and Aeriel Ellyzon Mallari
John Michael Perez
Cleaners

Best First Feature

In 2013, the Young Critics Circle added a new category to their six existing awards as a recognition of the growing number of new filmmakers in the country. The Best First Feature award is given to the three most outstanding debut feature films of the year.
YearWinnersFilm
2013Angustia
Puti
Ang Turkey Man Ay Pabo Rin
Kristian Sendon Cordero
Mike Alcazaren
Randolph Longjas
2014Dagitab
Nick and Chai
Sonata Maria
Giancarlo Abrahan V
Cha Escala and Wena Sanchez
Bagane Fiola
2015Ari: My Life with a King
Dayang Asu
Miss Bulalacao
Carlo Enciso Catu
Bor Ocampo
Ara Chawdhury
20162 Cool 2 Be 4gotten
Malinak Ya Labi
Petersen Vargas
Jose Abdel Langit
2017Kiko Boksingero
Si Chedeng at si Apple
The Chanters
Thop Nazareno
Rae Red and Fatrick Tabada
James Robin Mayo
2018Mamang
Mamu: And a Mother Too
Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap
Denise O'Hara
Rod Singh
Marius Talampas
2019Cleaners
John Denver Trending
Verdict
Glenn Barit
Arden Rod Condez
Raymund Ribay Gutierrez

Additional sources