The 74th Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards celebrated another remarkable year in Philippine cinema, recognizing outstanding performances, filmmaking achievements, and contributions to the local entertainment industry. Held on October 27, 2026, at the historic Manila Hotel, this year's ceremony saw two biographical films emerge as the biggest winners of the evening, while a historic new recognition put the spotlight on actress Maris Racal.
Leading the night's winners were In Thy Name and Quezon, which tied with four awards each.
In Thy Name secured the prestigious Best Picture award, with director Cesar Soriano also taking home Best Director. Its lead star, McCoy de Leon, was named Best Actor for his performance, while Gaspar Mangain received the award for Best Visual Effects.
Meanwhile, Quezon also made a strong showing, with its cast and creative team earning recognition across several major categories. Mon Confiado and Karylle won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. The film also took home Best Cinematography for Pong Ignacio and Best Editing for Jerrold Tarog.
Maricel Soriano and Maris Racal Shine in the Acting Categories
One of the evening's major highlights was the recognition of two actresses from different generations of Philippine cinema.
Veteran actress and Diamond Star Maricel Soriano won Best Actress for her performance in Meet, Greet & Bye, adding another prestigious accolade to her celebrated career.
Maris Racal, meanwhile, received the first-ever Actress of Distinction recognition in FAMAS history for her performance in Sunshine. The special distinction marked a significant milestone for both the actress and the awards-giving body.
However, the two acting recognitions also became a topic of discussion among movie fans, with some initially questioning whether FAMAS had effectively awarded the Best Actress honor twice.
In response, FAMAS released a clarification explaining the distinction between the two categories.
According to the organization, the Best Actress award recognizes not only excellence in a particular film but also the depth, maturity, and cumulative artistic achievements that give greater significance to an actress's performance.
On the other hand, the Actress of Distinction award recognizes a singular performance of exceptional artistic merit, highlighting extraordinary depth, originality, emotional conviction, and a lasting impact on the cinematic experience.
The clarification provided a better understanding of the two recognitions and the different qualities they seek to honor.
For Maris, the recognition also brings her closer to a potential Philippine movie grand slam. Having previously won Best Actress at the Gawad Urian Awards for Sunshine, she now sets her sights on the upcoming Luna Awards this December.
Her young co-star Annika Co also had a memorable evening, taking home the Best Child Performer award for her performance in the same film.
More Films and Artists Receive Recognition
Aside from the two biggest winners, Manila's Finest also earned multiple recognitions, winning Best Production Design for Digo Riccio and Best Sound for Allan Roy Santos and Neil Diokno.
Bar Boys: After School received the Best Screenplay award for Kip Oebanda, Carlo E. Catu, and Zig Dulay, while Krina Cayabyab was recognized for Best Musical Score for Song of the Fireflies.
The ceremony also honored several personalities whose contributions have helped shape Philippine cinema and entertainment.
Director Lav Diaz received the Circle of Excellence Award for Best Director, while Jose Javier Reyes was bestowed the FAMAS Grand Maestro Award for Lifetime Achievement in Film Directing.
Meanwhile, Charo Santos received the Susan Roces Celebrity Award, Daniel Fernando was recognized with the FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence, and Bea Alonzo received the Nora Aunor Superstar Award.
Dina Bonnevie was named FAMAS Queen of Philippine Cinema, while P-pop powerhouses BINI and SB19 were recognized with the FAMAS Youth Achievement Award.
A Celebration of Philippine Cinema
From the triumph of In Thy Name and Quezon to the memorable acting honors for Maricel Soriano and Maris Racal, the 74th FAMAS Awards brought together established industry veterans and a new generation of Filipino talents.
Beyond the trophies and accolades, this year's ceremony highlighted the diversity of stories, performances, and creative contributions that continue to shape the country's film industry.
As Philippine cinema moves forward, the recognition of both celebrated veterans and emerging talents serves as a reminder of the industry's enduring creativity and the importance of honoring excellence in filmmaking.
Here is the complete list of winners of the 74th FAMAS Awards:
MAJOR CATEGORIES
Best Picture – In Thy Name
Best Director – Cesar Soriano (In Thy Name)
Best Actor – McCoy de Leon (In Thy Name)
Best Actress – Maricel Soriano (Meet, Greet & Bye)
Actress of Distinction – Maris Racal (Sunshine)
Best Supporting Actor – Mon Confiado (Quezon)
Best Supporting Actress – Karylle (Quezon)
Best Child Performer – Annika Co (Sunshine)
Best Screenplay – Kip Oebanda, Carlo E. Catu, and Zig Dulay (Bar Boys: After School)
TECHNICAL CATEGORIES
Best Cinematography – Pong Ignacio (Quezon)
Best Editing – Jerrold Tarog (Quezon)
Best Production Design – Digo Riccio (Manila's Finest)
Best Sound – Allan Roy Santos and Neil Diokno (Manila's Finest)
Best Musical Score – Krina Cayabyab (Song of the Fireflies)
Best Visual Effects – Gaspar Mangain (In Thy Name)
SPECIAL AWARDS
Circle of Excellence Award for Best Director – Lav Diaz
FAMAS Grand Maestro Award for Lifetime Achievement in Film Directing – Jose Javier Reyes
Susan Roces Celebrity Award – Charo Santos
FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence – Daniel Fernando
Nora Aunor Superstar Award – Bea Alonzo
FAMAS Queen of Philippine Cinema – Dina Bonnevie
FAMAS Youth Achievement Award – BINI and SB19
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