MMFF abi ng Parangal: ‘I’mPerfect’ takes home Best Picture award; Vice Ganda is ‘Best Actor’

National

THE film I’mPerfect emerged as a historic winner after winning the Best Picture award at the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal on Saturday, Dec. 27, in Makati City.

Produced by Nathan Studios, the film centers on the life experiences and challenges of persons with Down syndrome, marking the first time a Filipino movie has featured lead actors with real-life disabilities in principal roles.

Producer Sylvia Sanchez dedicated the win to persons with disabilities, calling the moment a milestone for Philippine cinema.

Adding to the film’s landmark night, newcomer Krystel Go won Best Actress for her performance in I’mPerfect, beating out several established contenders.

Visibly emotional, Go said she never imagined winning, as the audience gave her a standing ovation.

The film also secured the Best Ensemble Award, a new category introduced this year, further cementing its impact both artistically and socially at the festival.

Meanwhile, Vice Ganda won Best Actor for Call Me Mother, a comedy-drama about an overseas Filipino worker.

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Vice Ganda highlighted representation and inclusivity, saying the win proved that queer performers can be fully recognized for their craft.

Call Me Mother also collected multiple awards, including Best Child Performer for Lucas Andalio, the Gender Sensitivity Award, and a share of Third Best Picture, making it one of the night’s standout titles.

The most decorated film of the evening was Manila’s Finest, which garnered eight awards spanning technical and cultural categories, including Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award.

Another strong contender, UnMarry, earned seven trophies, including Second Best Picture, Best Director for Jeffrey Jeturian, and several major writing and performance awards. With winners announced, festival organizers expect renewed box-office momentum as the MMFF screening period continues from December 25, 2025, through January 14, 2026.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)