Anita Linda wins best actress award in Southeast Asian Festival

Anita Linda is already 84. The oldest actress alive who is still active. She outlived MAry Walter by three years. Mary Walter died in 1993 at age 81.

With her age, she still managed to win an award. And it is best actress.

MANILA, Philippines—Anita Linda couldn’t make it to the Cinemanila awards rites held Monday in Malacañang because that was her “gardening day.”

“My hair wasn’t fixed and my hands were dirty,” she recalled.

Still, she said she was “overjoyed” to win Best Actress for her work in Adolf Alix Jr.’s “Adela,” which competed with six other films in the festival’s Southeast Asian section.

Alix said Anita cried upon learning the good news.

“It’s my first international recognition,” she later told Inquirer Entertainment in a phone interview. “It’s a pleasant surprise and a great birthday gift.”

Turning 84

The legendary actress, who won a Maria Clara Award in 1951 (precursor of the Famas) for “Sisa,” turns 84 on Nov. 23.

Also in the SEA section, Mario Maurer of Thailand’s “The Love of Siam” won Best Actor; another Philippine entry, Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Dahis Antipuesto’s “Confessional” won Best Film.

In the festival’s main/international section, Israel’s “The Band’s Visit” won Best Film, RP/Iceland’s “The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela” won the Grand Jury Prize. Best Actress went to another Filipina, Angeli Bayani, for Lav Diaz’s “Melancholia.” Kenneth Moraleda won Best Actor for Australia’s “Lucky Miles.”