41st Star Awards for Movies: Official nominees revealed

Big names, bigger performances. Who will take home the top honors at this year’s Star Awards for Movies?

Veteran thespian Vilma Santos will be going head-to-head with fellow nominees Kathryn Bernardo, Shamaine Buencamino, Rebecca Chuaunsu, Lovi Poe, Sue Prado, Marian Rivera, and Judy Ann Santos for the coveted Movie Actress of the Year trophy at the 41st Star Awards for Movies, happening on Nov. 30 in San Juan City.

The spotlight will once again shine on the best of Philippine cinema in a night of glitz, artistry, and recognition for outstanding contributions to the film industry. The event will be held at the Makabagong San Juan Theater.

Directed by the visionary Jorron Lee Monroy, the much-awaited awards night promises an unforgettable showcase of creativity, passion, and excellence—celebrating the enduring spirit of Filipino filmmaking.

The Star Awards for Movies is an annual event organized by PMPC Star Awards Inc. This year marks the first-time collaboration with GSD Studios, headed by Elai Tabilog, a full-service media production company offering multimedia services, advertising, below-the-line marketing, and live event production.

Leading this year’s celebration are PMPC president Mell Navarro and chair Jimi Escala, whose leadership brings renewed energy and vision to the iconic awards night.

“Together with the dedicated members of the association, they aim to make this event a reflection of both legacy and progress—honoring veterans while spotlighting new voices and redefining the craft,” said Navarro.

Meanwhile, Arjo Atayde will be competing for Movie Actor of the Year against Seth Fedelin, Joshua Garcia, Baron Geisler, Aga Muhlach, Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards, and Dennis Trillo.

Here are the other official nominees for the 41st Star Awards for Movies:

Movie of the Year

• “Espantaho” – Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, Purple Bunny Productions
• “Green Bones”—GMA Pictures, GMA Public Affairs, Brightburn Entertainment
• “Hello Love ”Again”—ABS-CBN Films, GMA Pictures
• “Isang Himala” – UxS Inc., CreaZion Studios, Kapitol Films, CMB Film Service, Inc.
• “My Future ”You”—Regal Entertainment
• “Topakk” – Nathan Studios, Strawdogs Studio Production, Fusee
• “Un/Happy for You” – ABS-CBN Films, Viva Films
• “Uninvited” – Mentorque Productions, Project 8 Projects

Movie Director of the Year

• Crisanto Aquino – “My Future You”
• Jose Lorenzo Diokno – “Isang Himala”
• Zig Dulay – “Green Bones”
• Cathy Garcia-Sampana – “Hello Love Again”
• Chito Roño – “Espantaho”
• Petersen Vargas – “Un/Happy for You”
• Dan Villegas – “Uninvited”
• Richard V. Somes – “Topakk”

Indie Movie of the Year

• “AbeNida” – BG Productions International
• “A Journey”—Mavx Productions
• “Balota” – Cinemalaya Foundation, GMA Pictures, GMA Entertainment Group, FDCP
• “Her Locket” – Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production, Rebelde Films
• “Huwag Mo ‘Kong Iwan” – BenTria Productions
• “Moro” – CenterStage Productions
• “Pushcart Tales” – Puregold CinePanalo, WAF Studios
• “Under A Piaya Moon” – Puregold CinePanalo, Bakunawa Films, Green Pelican Studios, Jungle Room Creatives, Cloudy Duck Pictures

Indie Movie Director of the Year 

• Sigrid Andrea Bernardo – “Pushcart Tales”
• RC Delos Reyes – “A Journey”
• Louie Ignacio – “AbeNida”
• Joel Lamangan – “Huwag Mo ‘Kong Iwan”
• Brillante Mendoza – “Moro”
• Kip Oebanda – “Balota”
• Kurt Soberano – “Under A Piaya Moon”
• J. E. Tiglao – “Her Locket”

Movie Supporting Actor of the Year

• Harvey Bautista – “Pushcart Tales”
• Nonie Buencamino – “Un/Happy for You”
• Joross Gamboa – “Hello Love Again”
• Sid Lucero – “The Kingdom”
• Ruru Madrid – “Green Bones”
• Khalil Ramos – “Fuchsia Libre”
• Wendell Ramos – “Green Bones”
• Joel Torre – “Under A Piaya Moon”

Movie Supporting Actress of the Year

• Perla Bautista – “Lola Magdalena”
• Sunshine Cruz – “Lola Magdalena”
• Eugene Domingo – “And The Breadwinner Is…”
• Nadine Lustre – “Uninvited”
• Gina Pareño – “AbeNida”
• Chanda Romero – “Espantaho”
• Kakki Teodoro – “Isang Himala”
• Lorna Tolentino – “Espantaho”

New Movie Actor of the Year

• Luke James Alford – “Maple Leaf Dreams”
• John Arcenas – “Idol: The April Boy Regino Story”
• Will Ashley – “Balota”
• Amado Arjay Babon – “Phantosmia”
• Raheel Bhyria – “Balota”
• Benedict Cua – “Her Locket”
• KD Estrada – “Fruitcake”
• Beaver Magtalas – “When Magic Hurts”
• Aljon Mendoza – “Un/Happy for You”
• Jeff Moses – “Under A Piaya Moon”

New Movie Actress of the Year

• Bianca De Vera – “Un/Happy for You”
• Pau Dimaranan – “Under A Piaya Moon”
• Kaila Estrada – “Un/Happy for You”
• Kei Kurosawa – “Crosspoint”
• Queenay Mercado – “Fruitcake”
• Isabelle Sophie Ng – “Her Locket”
• Mutya Orquia – “When Magic Hurts”
• Sofia Pablo – “Green Bones”
• Maxine Trinidad – “When Magic Hurts”
• Kate Yalung – “Idol: The April Boy Regino Story”

Child Performer of the Year

• Argus Aspiras – “And The Breadwinner Is…”
• Kulot Caponpon – “And The Breadwinner Is…”
• Kian Co – “Espantaho”
• Zion Cruz – “The Kingdom”
• Emman Esquivel – “Kumanthong”
• Althea Ruedas – “Kumanthong”
• Ryrie Sophia – “Mujigae”
• Sienna Stevens – “Green Bones”

Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year

• “Espantaho”
• “Green Bones”
• “Guilty Pleasure”
• “Hello Love Again”
• “Isang Himala”
• “Topakk”
• “Un/Happy for You”
• “Uninvited”

Indie Movie Ensemble Acting of the Year

• “AbeNida”
• “A Journey”
• “Balota”
• “Her Locket”
• “Lola Magdalena”
• “Love Child”
• “Pushcart Tales”
• “Your Mother’s Son”

TECHNICAL CATEGORIES (Mainstream)

Movie Screenwriter of the Year

• Crisanto Aquino – “My Future You”
• Dado Dayao – “Uninvited”
• Ricky Lee, Anj Atienza – “Green Bones”
• Ricky Lee, Jose Lorenzo Diokno – “Isang Himala”
• Chris Martinez – “Espantaho”
• Carmi Raymundo, Crystal San Miguel – “Hello Love Again”
• Richard V. Somes, Jimmy Flores, Wil Fredo Manalang – “Topakk”

Movie Cinematographer of the Year

• Neil Daza – “Espantaho”
• Neil Daza – “Green Bones”
• Carlo Mendoza – “Isang Himala”
• Pao Orendain – “Uninvited”
• Louie Quirino – “Topakk”
• Noel Teehankee – “Hello Love Again”
• Noel Teehankee – “Un/Happy for You”

Movie Editor of the Year

• Vanessa Ubas De Leon – “My Future You”
• Jaime Dumancas – “Topakk”
• Benjo Ferrer – “Espantaho”
• Marya Ignacio – “Hello Love Again”
• Marya Ignacio – “Uninvited”
• Benjamin Tolentino – “Green Bones”
• Benjamin Tolentino – “Isang Himala”

Movie Musical Scorer of the Year

• Jose Antonio Buencamino – “Topakk”
• Len Calvo – “Green Bones”
• Len Calvo – “Uninvited”
• Von De Guzman – “Espantaho”
• Vincent De Jesus – “Isang Himala”
• Jessie Lasaten – “Hello Love Again”
• Ammie Ruth Suarez – “Un/Happy for You”

Movie Production Designer of the Year

• Nestor Abrogena – “The Kingdom”
• Angel Diesta – “Espantaho”
• Marxie Maolen Fadul – “Green Bones”
• Mic Tatad King – “Uninvited”
• Ericson Navarro – “Isang Himala”
• Norico Santos – “Hello Love Again”
• Richard V. Somes – “Topakk”

Movie Sound Engineer of the Year

• Lamberto Casas, Alex Tomboc – “Espantaho”
• Albert Michael Idioma, Andrea Teresa Idioma – “Topakk”
• Albert Michael Idioma, Emilio Bien Sparks – “Isang Himala”
• Albert Michael Idioma, Jannina Mikaela Minglanilla – “The Kingdom”
• Albert Michael Idioma, Nicole Rosacay – “Green Bones”
• Narubeth Peemya – “Hello Love Again”
• Roy Santos – “Uninvited”

Movie Theme Song of the Year

• “Ang Himala Ay Nasa Puso” – “Isang Himala”
• “Darkness Calls” – “Topakk”
• “Hahamakin Ang Lahat” – “Uninvited”
• “Laban Fighting” – “Mujigae”
• “Lihim” – “Men Are From Quezon City, Women Are From Alabang”
• “Luha Sa Dilim” – “Guilty Pleasure”
• “Magkabilaan (The Kingdom Version)” – “The Kingdom”

TECHNICAL CATEGORIES (Indie)

Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year

• Honeylyn Joy Alipio – “Moro”
• Dennis Evangelista – “Lola Magdalena”
• Ralston Jover – “AbeNida”
• Jun Robles Lana, Elmer Gatchalian – “Your Mother’s Son”
• Kip Oebanda – “Balota”
• Eric Ramos – “Huwag Mo ‘Kong Iwan”
• J. E. Tiglao, Maze Miranda – “Her Locket”

Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year

• Nathan Bringuer – “Under A Piaya Moon”
• Tey Clamor – “Balota”
• Jag Concepcion – “Her Locket”
• Odyssey Flores – “Moro”
• T.M. Malones – “AbeNida”
• Tom Redoble – “A Journey”
• Dan Villegas – “Kono Basho”

Indie Movie Editor of the Year

• Ysabelle Denoga – “Moro”
• Chuck Gutierrez – “Balota”
• Marya Ignacio – “Kono Basho”
• Gilbert Obispo – “AbeNida”
• John Paul Somera Ponce – “Love Child”
• Benjamin Tolentino – “Your Mother’s Son”
• Renard Torres – “Her Locket”

Indie Movie Musical Scorer of the Year

• Jake Abella – “AbeNida”
• Jake Abella – “Moro”
• Divino Letada Dayacap – “Her Locket”
• Von De Guzman – “Huwag Mo ‘Kong Iwan”
• Jessie Lasaten – “A Journey”
• Peter Joseph Legaste, Joaquin Santos – “The Hearing”
• Emerzon Texon – “Balota”

Indie Movie Production Designer of the Year

• Eero Yves Francisco – “Balota”
• Cyrus Khan – “AbeNida”
• Brillante Mendoza – “Moro”
• Roy Roger Requejo – “Your Mother’s Son”
• James Rosendal – “Her Locket”
• Jed Sicangco, Jerann Ordinario – “Outside”
• Jed Sicangco, Kurt Soberano – “Under A Piaya Moon”

Indie Movie Sound Engineer of the Year

• Lamberto Casas Jr. – “Love Child”
• Armand De Guzman – “Her Locket”
• Paolo Estero – “Huwag Mo ‘Kong Iwan”
• Albert Michael Idioma, Nicole Rosacay – “Balota”
• Gilbert Obispo – “AbeNida”
• Roem Ortiz – “Under A Piaya Moon”
• Allen Roy Santos – “Outside”

Indie Movie Theme Song of the Year

• “Babalik Ka Na” – “Her Locket”
• “Hamon” – “Mamay: A Journey to Greatness”
• “Mahal Kita” – “Road to Happy”
• “Nasa Bawat Mong Hakbang” – “Haligi”
• “Paruparo” – “When Magic Hurts”
• “Sa Likod ng Tagumpay” – “Idol: The April Boy Regino Story”
• “Will You Still Love Me” – “Outside”

Short Movie of the Year

• “Huling Sayaw ni Erlinda” – Rems Entertainment Production
• “Ka Benjie” – Puregold CinePanalo, 2minDig Productions
• “Kita Mo ‘To?” – Ko-Leksyon Production, Kuro-Kuro Production
• “Lumang Tugtugin” – The Manila Film Festival, UxS Inc., KreativeDen Entertainment, Kapitol Films
• “May at Nila” – The Manila Film Festival, Anima Studios Production, KreativeDen Entertainment
• “Sa Oras ng Paghukom” – Mapua University, Humantao Films, Kuro-Kuro Productions, Arrowhead, Gate 11 Productions
• “Shortest Day, Longest Night” – The Manila Film Festival, Anima Studios Production, KreativeDen Entertainment, Narra Post Production Studios
• “Si Balong at Si Doro” – Hundred Islands Film Festival, Alaminos City LGU, Alaminos City Tourism Office, NCCA, FDCP

Short Movie Director of the Year

• Alexa Moneii Agaloos – “Ka Benjie”
• Sigrid Andrea Bernardo – “May at Nila”
• Jose Lorenzo Diokno – “Lumang Tugtugin”
• Adam Dumaguin – “Kita Mo ‘To?”
• JP Habac – “Shortest Day, Longest Night”
• Miguel Potestades – “Ang Huling Liham”
• Gabby Ramos – “Huling Sayaw ni Erlinda”
• Sean Romero – “Sa Oras ng Paghukom”

SPECIAL AWARDS

Darling of the Press (Nominees)

• Cecille Bravo
• Kim Chiu
• Rez Cortez
• Baby Go
• Martin Nievera
• Imelda Papin
• Piolo Pascual
• Gladys Reyes

Movie Loveteam of the Year

• Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards (KathDen) – “Hello Love Again”
• Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin (FranSeth) – “My Future You”
• Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto (JoshLia) – “Un/Happy for You”
• Beaver Magtalas and Mutya Orquia – “When Magic Hurts”
• Heaven Peralejo and Joshua Garcia – “Fruitcake”
• Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings (MaThon) – “And The Breadwinner Is…”
• LA Santos and Kira Balinger – “Maple Leaf Dreams”

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