Award-winning Filipina actress Judy Ann Santos has once again added another recognition to her name after being named Best Actress at the 45th Fantasporto International Film Festival held from 28 February to 8 March 2025, at Batalha Centro De Cinema, Porto, Portugal.

Santos won the award for her outstanding performance in the film Espantaho, also known by its English title, Scarecrow.

This marks Santos' second Best Actress win for the same film, as she also took home the award during the Gabi ng Parangal at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on 27 December 2024.

“It is heavy. There’s a lot of excess baggage when I get back home,” Judy Ann jokingly said as she took the stage to receive her award.

In her acceptance speech, she expressed her gratitude to the festival's jury. “I would like to thank the jury of Fantasporto for the recognition. It is with great pride and honor that I am here to represent my country which is the Philippines."

She also dedicated her award to the team behind Espantaho. “I would also like to share this award with my director Chito Roño, our writer Chris Martinez, and of course, to the Espantaho team."

Santos also gave a heartfelt shout-out to her family. “And to my husband and my three children, they’ve always been my inspiration in every project I make."

Closing her speech, she expressed her admiration for the city of Porto. “Porto is such a beautiful city. I am just so happy I would be bringing home the best souvenir.”

Meanwhile here is the full list of winners at the 45th Fantasporto International Film Festival:

Jury’s Special Award: Cielo, Alberto Sciamm, 107 (UK)

Best Direction: Sam Quah, A Place Called Silence (China)

Best Actor: Brendan Bradley (Succubus), R.J. Daniel Hanna (E.U.A.)

Best Screenplay: Yugo Sakamoto (Ghost Killer)

Best Cinematography: Alex Metcalfe, Cielo, Alberto Sciamma (UK)

Best Short Film: Happy People by Budavari Balazs (Hungary)

Special Mention of Fantasy Jury: Gosto de Te Ver Dormir - Hugo Pinto (Portugal)