That’s how Arthur 'Art' Acuña describes how he feels about being a Best Actor nominee at the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ annual Emmy Awards.
Art, who is nominated for his performance as restaurant manager Harry Shaw in “The Kitchen Musical” hopes the nomination will make the West sit up and notice Asian talent in general and Filipino artistry in particular.
“I feel proud of my participation as a Filipino,” he told Yahoo! Philippines OMG! via a phone interview.
But it’s just too bad Art can’t attend the awards night on Nov. 19 in New York since the event will conflict with the staging of “God of Carnage,” a play Art is doing in Singapore with Lea Salonga.
“The Kitchen Musical” director Chee Kong Cheah, Art reports, will be at the Emmys. “The Kitchen Musical” is also nominated in the Best Drama Series category.
“I’d definitely be wearing a Barong Tagalog if I were there,” Art reveals.
Win or lose, however, Art already feels victorious. Being nominated, he explains, is an Emmy nod in itself.
“If we win, it’s a blessing. If we don’t, we already won. The others in competition are all good. And I’m in good company.”
Winning is not new to Art. He won the Best Supporting Actor thrice last year, courtesy of the Urian, Golden Screen and Cinemalaya awards for the indie film “Indio.”
Art is currently in Bulacan to shoot “The Strangers,” a suspense thriller and entry to the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival. With reports from Karen Valeza
Maridol Rañoa-Bismark | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom
