FAMAS sparks row over Eva Darren's snub, issues apology

The 72nd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awarding ceremony took place on Sunday at The Manila Hotel, sparking controversy over veteran actress Eva Darren's exclusion from the event.

Dr. Fernando de la Pena, Eva Darren's son, thanked supporters for their overwhelming display of love and support in a Facebook post following FAMAS' apology to his mother.

Fernando acknowledged that his family respects FAMAS but found it incomprehensible that his mother was sidelined during the ceremony, emphasizing the emotional impact on her and her grandchildren who were disappointed as they did not get to see her on stage.

Eva Darren was actually seated in a table front and center adjacent to the stage, highlighting an error by the organizers who claimed they could not find her.

Despite FAMAS issuing a public apology for their negligence, several celebrities and netizens continued to criticize the treatment of esteemed artists in the country.

The 2024 FAMAS winners include Kathryn Bernardo, Piolo Pascual, and horror film Mallari.