The Philippine entertainment industry gathered at Winford Resort and Casino Manila for the 42nd Star Awards for Movies on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The prestigious ceremony celebrated extraordinary cinematic achievements. The annual event highlighted progressive storytelling and inclusion across generations. Female artists claimed major honors, proving that women remain central figures in Philippine cinema.
Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos led the historic night. The PMPC Star Awards Inc. elevated her into the Hall of Fame for Movie Female Actor of the Year. The honor recognizes her 10 previous victories in the category. She is the first artist to receive a Hall of Fame distinction from the organization. Santos-Recto has worked in the industry for over 60 years.
The legendary female actor expressed deep gratitude on stage. “Is it true that I can no longer win PMPC trophies because I am in the Hall of Fame?” Santos-Recto jokingly questioned whether the induction meant she would no longer be eligible for future awards. She clarified her plans for fans. She stated that this milestone does not signify her retirement from acting.
Maricel Soriano and Maris Racal shared the Movie Female Actor of the Year award. Both female actors attended the ceremony to accept their trophies. Soriano won for her performance in “Meet, Greet & Bye.” Racal won for her compelling work in “Sunshine.” Racal also received the Female Face of the Night special award.
The ceremony placed a strong focus on inclusion and human dignity. The film “I’mPerfect” won Movie of the Year. It tells a meaningful narrative about Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The movie features real-life PWDs in the cast. Sylvia Sanchez won Movie Supporting Female Actor of the Year for playing the mother. Krystel Go earned New Movie Female Actor of the Year for playing the daughter. Sigrid Andrea Bernardo won Movie Screenwriter of the Year for the script. The team expressed great pride in the recognition. They highlighted the film’s narrative on Persons with Disabilities and its inclusion of real-life PWDs in the cast.
Women’s empowerment gained significant recognition during the ceremony. “Sunshine” won Indie Movie of the Year. The film centers directly on female empowerment themes. Antoinette Jadaone won Indie Movie Director of the Year for directing the project.
Megastar Sharon Cuneta received the Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award. Her daughter Kakie accepted the honor on her behalf. Kakie performed two of her mother’s signature songs for the audience. Veteran actor Rez Cortez also received the Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award. “The PMPC Star Awards was the first award-giving body to bestow me such a huge honor,” Cortez admitted during his acceptance speech.
National Artist Ricky Lee entered the Hall of Fame as Movie Screenwriter of the Year after winning 11 times. Albert Michael Idioma joined the Hall of Fame as Movie Sound Engineer of the Year after winning 16 times. Niño Muhlach accepted the Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award for his father, former movie producer Alex Muhlach.
Jericho Rosales won Movie Male Actor of the Year for “Quezon.” Richard Quan won Movie Supporting Male Actor of the Year for “How to Get Away with My Toxic Family.” Quan last won a PMPC award 32 years ago as New Movie Male Actor in 1994. Lester Pimentel Ong won Movie Director of the Year for “The Delivery Rider.” Lucas Andalio won Movie Child Performer of the Year for “Call Me Mother.”
Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra won Movie Loveteam of the Year for “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins.” The crowd cheered loudly when their names were called. JM Ibarra also won New Movie Male Actor of the Year for “Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana.”
Beauty Gonzalez, Emma Tiglao, Jameson Blake, and Tony Labrusca hosted the program. Labrusca received the Male Face of the Night special award. OPM icon Ogie Alcasid delivered an energetic opening performance. “Asia’s Phoenix” Morissette presented a special musical number.
The PMPC Star Awards Inc. organizes the annual event. President Fernan de Guzman and Star Awards Chairman Melba Llanera led the association. Producer Jojo Mendrez collaborated with EV Production and Events. Vivian Poblete Blancaflor directed the stage production. PlayTime Entertainment supported the presentation alongside Winford Resort and Casino Manila and official media partner Abante News TV.
Photographs captured by Allan Sancon for PMPC Star Awards.