Even before the 69th Venice International Film Festival concludes, the lone Philippine entry "Thy Womb" already bagged two special prizes: Bisato d' Oro Award for its lead star Nora Aunor and La Navicella Venezia Cinema Award for its director Brillante Mendoza.

Philippines’ very own superstar–Nora Aunor–has once again caught the attention of international film critics, this time for winning the prestigious Bisato d’ Oro Award (also known as “The Golden Eel”) at the 69th Venice International Film Festival for her performance in the lone Philippine entry “Thy Womb.” In the movie, Aunor portrays a barren Badjao woman who is struggling to give her husband a child despite her infertility.

The award was given by the Premio Della Critica Indipendente, a group of renowned film critics in Italy.

Following Nora’s win on Friday, the film’s director Brillante Mendoza was honored on Saturday with The La Navicella Venezia Cinema Award. The special award was conferred annually by the Rivista del Cinematografo, another group of Italian film critics, to the film director who is “particularly relevant for the affirmation of human values.”

“Thy Womb” is still in the running for the prestigious Golden Lion Award, Nora Aunor for Best Actress and Brillante Mendoza for Best Director on Sunday, September 9, at the conclusion of the Venice International Film Festival.

The Philippine entry is up against 17 films from other countries including Great Britain’s “At Any Prize,” USA’s “The Masters,” Italy’s “Un giorno speciale,” Germany’s “Passion,” and France’s “Something in the Air.”

Aside from Mendoza and Aunor, cast-members Lovi Poe and Mercedes Cabral also graced the red carpet of VIFF, the oldest international film festival in the world.

Image courtesy of Brillante Mendoza’s Facebook Fanpage