41st PMPC Star Awards marks milestone year for Philippine cinema

A celebration of artistry, legacy, and rising talent lit up the Makabagong San Juan Theater as the 41st Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies honored the industry’s finest.

This year’s ceremony proved to be a defining moment for both established icons and emerging storytellers, with the night’s biggest spotlight deservedly landing on one of Philippine cinema’s most enduring legends.

Vilma Santos, the Star for All Seasons, delivered a historic milestone after earning her 10th Best Actress trophy for her haunting performance in Uninvited. The psychological thriller—already lauded for its gripping narrative and polished craftsmanship—also clinched Movie of the Year, solidifying its status as one of 2025’s most impactful Filipino films.

It was a banner evening as well for leading men Aga Muhlach and Dennis Trillo, who shared the Movie Actor of the Year award. Muhlach’s nuanced portrayal in Uninvited stood shoulder to shoulder with Trillo’s powerful turn in Green Bones, demonstrating the depth and versatility of Filipino male performers in contemporary cinema.

The ceremony also celebrated compelling work from supporting actors and behind-the-scenes creatives—proof that Philippine movies continue to thrive through collective excellence. Sunshine Cruz’s layered performance in Lola Magdalena earned her Supporting Actress of the Year, while young actor Harvey Bautista’s emotional delivery in Pushcart Tales won him Supporting Actor of the Year.

Directing honors went to Dan Villegas for helming Uninvited, a film that dominated multiple major categories. Indie cinema likewise enjoyed its moment, with AbeNida and filmmaker Louie Ignacio securing top recognitions, underscoring the independent sector’s continued vibrance and relevance.

Special awards highlighted icons whose years of service and influence shaped the entertainment landscape—Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo as Takilya King and Queen, Alma Moreno and Bong Revilla Jr. receiving the Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award, and several notable personalities honored for their enduring contributions behind the camera and in the press corps.

Below is the complete list of winners:

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41ST PMPC STAR AWARDS FOR MOVIES — FULL WINNERS LIST

MAJOR CATEGORIES

• Movie Actress of the Year – Vilma Santos (Uninvited)

• Movie Actor of the Year – Dennis Trillo (Green Bones) and Aga Muhlach (Uninvited)

• Movie of the Year – Uninvited (Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects)

• Movie Director of the Year – Dan Villegas (Uninvited)

• Movie Supporting Actress of the Year – Sunshine Cruz (Lola Magdalena)

• Movie Supporting Actor of the Year – Harvey Bautista (Pushcart Tales)

• New Movie Actor of the Year – Will Ashley (Balota)

• New Movie Actress of the Year – Kaila Estrada (Un/Happy For You)

• Movie Child Performer of the Year – Ryrie Sophia (Mujigae)

• Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year – Uninvited

TECHNICAL AND CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

• Movie Screenwriter of the Year – Ricky Lee, Anj Atienza (Green Bones)

• Movie Cinematographer of the Year – Pao Orendain (Uninvited)

• Movie Editor of the Year – Benjamin Tolentino (Green Bones)

• Movie Musical Scorer of the Year – Vincent De Jesus (Isang Himala)

• Movie Production Designer of the Year – Mic Tatad King (Uninvited)

• Movie Sound Engineer of the Year – Albert Michael Idioma, Andrea Teresa Idioma (Topakk)

• Movie Theme Song of the Year – “Ang Himala Ay Nasa Puso,” Isang Himala(interpreted by Juan Karlos; composed & arranged by Vincent De Jesus)

INDEPENDENT FILM CATEGORIES

• Indie Movie of the Year – AbeNida (BG Productions International)

• Indie Movie Director of the Year – Louie Ignacio (AbeNida)

• Indie Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year – Her Locket

• Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year – Dennis Evangelista (Lola Magdalena)

• Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year – Dan Villegas (Kono Basho)

• Indie Movie Editor of the Year – Gilbert Obispo (AbeNida)

• Indie Movie Musical Scorer of the Year – Divino Letada Dayacap (Her Locket)

• Indie Movie Production Designer of the Year – Brillante Mendoza (Moro)

• Indie Movie Sound Engineer of the Year – Allen Roy Santos (Outside)

• Indie Movie Theme Song of the Year – “Hamon,” Mamay: A Journey to Greatness(interpreted by Gerald Santos; composed & arranged by Vehnee Saturno)

SHORT FILM CATEGORIES

• Short Movie of the Year – Ka Benjie (Puregold CinePanalo, 2minDig Productions)

• Short Movie Director of the Year – Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (May At Nila)

SPECIAL AWARDS

• Takilya King – Alden Richards (Hello, Love Again)

• Takilya Queen – Kathryn Bernardo (Hello, Love Again)

• Movie Loveteam of the Year – Francine Diaz & Seth Fedelin (My Future You)

• Darling of the Press – Cecille Bravo

• Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award – Alma Moreno, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

• Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award – Jesse Ejercito

• Ethel Ramos Dean’s Lister Lifetime Achievement Award – Mercy Lejarde, Crispina Belen

• Male Star of the Night – Dennis Trillo

• Female Star of the Night – Vilma Santos

With a lineup that honors both legends and fresh voices, the 41st PMPC Star Awards for Movies stands as a testament to the evolving brilliance of Filipino cinema—proof that storytelling, when powered by passion and purpose, continues to illuminate the nation’s cultural landscape.