by John Romme Alba
The 73rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards illuminated the historic Manila Hotel with a grand celebration of cinematic artistry, honoring the finest performances, compelling narratives, and outstanding technical achievements in Philippine cinema.
Taking home the coveted Best Picture award was the documentary ‘Alipato at Muog,’ which chronicles the abduction and enforced disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, son of the late press freedom icon Joe Burgos. The film’s director, JL Burgos, also received the Best Director honor.
“Pumunta talaga kami dito (2025 FAMAS Awards Ceremony) hindi talaga namin ine-expect na mananalo kami, kaya wala man lang kaming prepared speech, wala kaming listahan na dapat pasalamatan,” Burgos said during his acceptance remarks streamed via Facebook Live. He went on to thank Cinemalaya for giving him the platform to showcase his advocacy for truth and justice, particularly in seeking answers for the disappearance of Jonas Burgos.
In a historic moment, Best Actor was shared by two winners: comedian-host Vice Ganda for ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’ and Arjo Atayde for ‘Topakk.’
Vice Ganda, visibly surprised by the recognition, recalled his first FAMAS accolade in 2018 when he received the Dolphy Memorial Award. “Yung nomination lang talaga… Sabi ko Direk Jun, sabi ko I’m just so proud. Sabi ni Ate V. at tsaka ni Nadine ng saya-saya ko daw at proud na proud akong nominated ako, tapos nanalo pa ko, maraming-maraming salamat. Thank you so much FAMAS for making me the very first blonde, fully make-up in black gown to receive the Best Actor award,” he said with humor in his acceptance speech.
Atayde, meanwhile, dedicated his victory to soldiers who inspired his role in Topakk. Touching on the theme of mental health, he added, “We are all unique in our own ways and most of the time misunderstood. To anyone experiencing mental health issues, know that you are loved and never alone.”
Joining them in the Best Actor category were Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Again), Dennis Trillo (Green Bones), and Aga Muhlach (Uninvited).
Marian Rivera triumphed as Best Actress for her performance in ‘Balota.’ Rivera acknowledged the challenges of making films while urging audiences to continue supporting local cinema. “Kaya naman gusto kong magpasalamat sa Cinemalaya, kasi nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon talaga na gawin ang ganitong klase ng pelikula na sana patuloy kayong gumawa ng kasaysayan, makabuluhan at may kontribusyon talaga sa lipunan,” she said.
Other Best Actress nominees included Judy Ann Santos (Espantaho), Julia Montes (Topakk), Rebecca Chaunsu (Her Locket), Kathryn Bernardo (Hello, Love, Again), and Ara Mina (Mamay: A Journey to Greatness).
The inspirational biopic ‘Mamay: A Journey to Greatness’ emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, sweeping Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Screenplay, while veteran actor Jeric Raval clinched Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.
Meanwhile, Nadine Lustre won Best Supporting Actress for ‘Uninvited.’ Other technical awards went to ‘Green Bones’ (Best Screenplay), ‘Topakk’ (Best Sound), and ‘The Hearing’ (Best Editing).
Vilma Santos received the FAMAS Circle of Excellence Award for her performance in ‘Uninvited.’ The Mulach siblings were both honored with the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award, while veteran actor Dindo Arroyo was recognized with the FPJ Memorial Award for Iconic Villain Roles. Meanwhile, Judy Ann Santos earned dual distinctions for her work in ‘Espantaho’—being named one of the FAMAS Child Icons of Philippine Cinema and becoming the first-ever recipient of the Nora Aunor Superstar Award.
The evening underscored not just the star power of Philippine cinema, but also its enduring role in reflecting history, society, and the resilience of the Filipino spirit.
