“On the Job: The Missing 8” will be representing the Philippines as our official entry in the upcoming 95th Academy Awards or the Oscars. The 2021 crime thriller film by Erik Matti will be submitted for the Best International Feature category.
This was according to the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc.’s announcement.
The “On the Job” sequel tells the story of a journalist Sisoy Salas (played by John Arcilla) who investigates the mysterious disappearance of his colleagues, and a prisoner Roman Rubio (played by Dennis Trillo) who is temporarily freed to carry out assassinations. Arcilla’s portrayal of this role lead him to win the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 78th Venice International Film Festival in 2021–the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to do so. He was also awarded Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2022.
The “OTJ” lead actor is grateful for the selection which comes a day after the announcement that the film is also nominated for best TV movie or miniseries at the International Emmy Award 2022. “When it rains it pours. Today, ‘OTJ: The Missing 8′ is officially announced as the Philippines’ official entry to the Oscars 2022, after the announcement of the EMMY Nomination yesterday. To God be the Glory!” Arcilla said.
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Co-produced by Reality MM Studios, Globe Studios (now known as ANIMA), and HBO Asia, “On The Job: The Series” is nominated for Best TV Movie/Mini-Series in the 2022 International Emmy Awards. The critically-acclaimed series is an adaptation of the 2013 full-length film of the same name along with its sequel “On the Job: The Missing 8”. It is in the running against three other nominees: “Help” (United Kingdom), “Il Est Elle” (France), and “La Historia Íntima De La Escritora Isabel Allende” (Chile).
Director Matti, on the other hand, is in disbelief but ultimately honored by the recognition. He shared, “Tons of entries make their way to the Emmys each year. Great stories and well-made productions waiting to be considered. In the age of streaming, the competition is stiff. Who would have thought that a limited series like ‘On The Job’ from a small country in the Pacific would be recognized alongside some big titles from the UK, Chile, and France? It is our honor, Emmys. Congratulations, Pinas!”
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In another post, the Filipino filmmaker pointed out: “At a time where the Philippines is in dire need of small victories, it is enough that we have this film to hope for and rally behind as Filipinos in the coming 95th Oscar awards.”
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Aside from the above-mentioned, among the “OTJ 2” cast are Andrea Brillantes, Joel Torre, Leo Martinez, Megan Young, Rayver Cruz, Agot Isidro, Joey Marquez, Ricky Davao, Joel Torre, Eric Fructuoso, Dante Rivero, and more.
The 95th Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on March 12, 2023.
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