‘Manila’s Finest’ leads 2026 Manila International Film Festival winners

Raymond Red’s acclaimed crime drama leads the 2026 Manila International Film Festival awards spree.

“Manila’s Finest” emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), taking home Best Picture and Best Cinematography, while its lead actress, Ashtine Olviga, won Best Actress.

Meanwhile, Jericho Rosales was named Best Actor for his performance in Jerrold Tarog’s biopic “Quezon.”

Directed by Palme d’Or winner Raymond Red, the critically acclaimed crime drama “Manila’s Finest” follows law enforcement officers as they navigate violent crime, political pressure, and systemic corruption in late-1960s Manila, as the country edges toward Martial Law.

The film previously made waves at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), where it reportedly won eight awards, before gaining recognition at international festivals.

Its Best Cinematography win at MIFF further highlighted the film’s visual treatment of a turbulent period in Philippine history.

The festival’s Icon Award went to Lea Salonga, who became its inaugural recipient for her contributions to theater, music, and film. Meanwhile, DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island” received the Trailblazer Award.

Several other films also took home major honors. “58th” won Best Picture in the Documentary category, with its director, Carl Joseph Papa, taking Best Director and Reynafe Castillo receiving the Shining A Light Award for the same film.

With “Manila’s Finest” continuing to dominate the awards conversation, its MIFF wins add another chapter to the film’s growing festival run, cementing its place among the year’s most recognized Filipino productions.

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