Filipino stars Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre are heading to the regional stage after emerging as the Philippines’ top acting winners at the 2026 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA).
Vice Ganda was named the Philippine National Winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role for the comedy-drama film Call Me Mother, while Lustre took Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the Viu series Love, Siargao. The two will represent the country in their respective categories at the Grand Awards in Singapore this December.
Vice Ganda’s win came after what the AACA described as an additional tie-breaker round for the highly contested acting category. Lustre, meanwhile, earned her spot for her portrayal of Kara in Love, Siargao, which also won the Philippine honor for Best Original Production by a Streamer.
The Philippines secured 25 National Winner slots across acting, film, television, streaming, documentary and technical categories.
Joining Vice Ganda and Lustre among the acting honorees were Mon Confiado, named Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Salvageland, and Michael V, who won Best Actor/Actress in a Comedy Role for Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento.
Filipino productions also registered strong results across major categories. Kontrabida Academy was selected as the country’s Best Feature Film, while The Silent Noise won Best Drama Series and earned Onat Diaz the Best Direction (Scripted) honor.
Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence collected three National Winner citations for screenplay, cinematography and editing. Other recognized productions included Bubble Gang, 58th, The Atom Araullo Specials: Baby Makers, Reporter’s Notebook: Saving Babies, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, The Voice Kids Philippines, and Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.
Broadcast journalist Rico Hizon was also named Best Entertainment Host for Rated R: The Rico Hizon Podcast, while Charms Espina won Best Factual Presenter for PTV News Tonight.
The AACA recognizes achievements in film, television and digital content across 18 Asia-Pacific nations and territories. This year, 335 National Winners were selected across 39 categories, with entries evaluated by industry jurors representing 38 countries.
The Philippine winners will next compete against their counterparts from across the region, with the Grand Awards Gala set for December 3 at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre.