73rd FAMAS Awards: Heavyweights, new voices clash in Phl cinema

The Philippine movie industry’s brightest stars and most daring storytellers are set to converge at the historic Manila Hotel on August 22, 2025 for the 73rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards.

This year’s race is proving to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with Green Bones, Topakk, and Mamay emerging as the night’s biggest contenders—each securing a remarkable ten nominations. Their strong showing reflects the diversity and ambition of contemporary Filipino filmmaking, where blockbuster appeal meets art-house sensibility.

The Stories That Defined the Year

Green Bones, directed by Zig Dulay, is a gritty exploration of family and survival in a rural community torn apart by violence. Its sweeping nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nods for Dennis Trillo, Alessandra de Rossi, and Ruru Madrid, speak to its strong technical and emotional execution.

Topakk, from filmmaker Richard Somes, blends pulse-pounding action with a deeply human story, earning nods for Best Picture, Best Director, and standout performances by Julia Montes, Arjo Atayde, and Sid Lucero.

Meanwhile, Mamay, directed by Neal Buboy Tan, is a tender yet powerful drama that confronts generational wounds. Ara Mina’s portrayal of the titular role earned her a Best Actress nomination, while Jeric Raval’s performance secured a Best Supporting Actor nod.

Star Power Meets New Blood

The acting categories feature a fascinating mix of seasoned veterans and fresh faces. Best Actress contenders include screen legends Judy Ann Santos and Marian Rivera, alongside box-office darling Kathryn Bernardo and indie breakthrough Rebecca Chuanunsu.

In the Best Actor race, comedic superstar Vice Ganda makes a dramatic turn in And The Breadwinner Is…, while matinee idols Alden Richards and Dennis Trillo bring their signature gravitas to leading roles. Rising star Kelvin Miranda and veteran Aga Muhlach round out the category, each representing different eras of Philippine cinema.

A Celebration of Craft

Beyond acting, the technical categories showcase the artistry behind the camera—from the intricate production design of When Magic Hurts to the striking cinematography of Uninvited and Kalakal. With nominations spread across big-budget productions and smaller, independent films, this year’s FAMAS lineup reflects a robust and evolving industry.

The announcement of nominees came via a Facebook livestream on August 10, sparking excitement and early predictions among fans and film critics alike. Whether you favor hard-hitting drama, sweeping romance, or genre-bending thrillers, the 73rd FAMAS promises a night that honors the rich tapestry of Philippine storytelling.

Full List of Nominees – 73rd FAMAS Awards (2025)

Best Actress

• Marian Rivera (Balota)

• Julia Montes (Topakk)

• Rebecca Chuanunsu (Her Locket)

• Judy Ann Santos (Espantaho)

• Kathryn Bernardo (Hello, Love, Again)

• Ara Mina (Mamay)

Best Actor

• Dennis Trillo (Green Bones)

• Vice Ganda (And The Breadwinner Is…)

• Arjo Atayde (Topakk)

• Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Again)

• Kelvin Miranda (Chances Are, You And I)

• Aga Muhlach (Uninvited)

Best Picture

• Alipato at Muog

• Under A Piaya Moon

• Topakk

• Green Bones

• When Magic Hurts

• And The Breadwinner Is…

• Balota

• Mamay

• The Hearing

• Uninvited

Best Director

• JL Burgos (Alipato at Muog)

• Richard Somes (Topakk)

• Law Fajardo (The Hearing)

• Gabby Ramos (When Magic Hurts)

• Chito Roño (Espantaho)

• Neal Buboy Tan (Mamay)

• Kurt Soberano (Under A Piaya Moon)

• Zig Dulay (Green Bones)

• Jun Lana (And The Breadwinner Is…)

• Dan Villegas (Uninvited)

Best Supporting Actress

• Nadine Lustre (Uninvited)

• Isabelle Sophie Ng (Her Locket)

• Eugene Domingo (And The Breadwinner Is…)

• Alessandra de Rossi (Green Bones)

• Claudine Barretto (When Magic Hurts)

• Mylene Dizon (The Hearing)

Best Supporting Actor

• Ruru Madrid (Green Bones)

• Joel Torre (Under A Piaya Moon)

• Sid Lucero (Topakk)

• Jhong Hilario (And The Breadwinner Is…)

• Jeric Raval (Mamay)

• Will Ashley (Balota)

Best Screenplay

• Alipato at Muog

• Under A Piaya Moon

• Balota

• Green Bones

• The Hearing

• Mamay

Best Editing

• The Hearing

• Topakk

• Alipato at Muog

• Under A Piaya Moon

• Hello, Love, Again

• Green Bones

Best Cinematography

• When Magic Hurts

• Topakk

• Uninvited

• Kalakal

• Mamay

• And The Breadwinner Is…

Best Production Design

• When Magic Hurts

• Topakk

• Mamay

• Under A Piaya Moon

• Espantaho

• Hello, Love, Again

Best Theme Song

• “Sa Likod ng Tagumpay” (Idol)

• “Paruparo” (When Magic Hurts)

• “Hamon” (Mamay)

• “Hahamakin Ang Lahat” (Uninvited)

Best Musical Score

• When Magic Hurts

• Mamay

• Green Bones

• Hello, Love, Again

• And The Breadwinner Is…

• Uninvited

Best Sound

• Topakk

• Alipato at Muog

• Mamay

• And The Breadwinner Is…

• Green Bones

• Uninvited

Best Visual Effects

• Espantaho

• Topakk

• Alipato at Muog

• Green Bones