“ON the Job: The Missing 8,” a 2021 crime thriller film directed by Erik Matti, will once again raise the Philippine flag after it was chosen as the country’s official entry in the upcoming 95th Academy Awards or the Oscars.
The decision was announced by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc. through FDCP’s official page on Friday saying that the film will be submitted for the Best International Feature category.
The sequel to the 2013 film “On the Job,” it tells the story of a journalist (played by John Arcilla) who investigates the mysterious disappearance of his colleagues, and a prisoner (played by Dennis Trillo) who is temporarily freed to carry out assassinations.
For his role, Arcilla won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 78th Venice International Film Festival in 2021 – the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to do so.
In an Instagram post, Arcilla expressed his gratitude for the selection which comes just a day after it was announced 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 wrote.
Meanwhile, on their nomination at the Emmy Award, Matti shared on his account, “Tons of entries make their way to the Emmy’s 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 #OnTheJob from a small country in the Pacific would be recognized alongside some big titles from the UK, Chile and France? It is our honor, Emmy’s. Congratulations, Philippines!”
Also included in the cast are Lotlot de Leon, Ricky Davao, William Martinez, Dante Rivero, Vandolph Quizon, Eric Fructuoso, Rayver Cruz, Christopher de Leon, Soliman Cruz. Ina Feleo, Isabelle de Leon, and Andrea Brillantes.
The 95th Academy Awards is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California on March 12, 2023.