Vice Ganda, Marian Rivera win top acting awards in FAMAS

Metro Manila, Philippines - Vice Ganda and Marian Rivera clinched the top acting awards in the prestigious Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) on Friday, Aug. 22.

Vice won Best Actor for his portrayal of Bambi in the 2024 dramedy “And the Breadwinner Is…,” which was released in the Metro Manila Film Festival.

The comedian was tied with Arjo Atayde, who bagged the award for another MMFF 2024 entry “Topakk.”

In his speech, Vice said he hopes his recognition would be an inspiration to other members of the LGBTQ+ community after being the first openly gay artist to have won the title.

“May this award inspire all the queer kids…May this recognition inspire you to embrace the endless possibilities that the world is offering you,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rivera secured the Best Actress award for the 2024 Cinemalaya entry “Balota,” which tackled the chilling realities of Philippine elections, including vote buying and violence.

The Kapuso star said she learned a lot about the country after portraying ‘Emmy,’ a teacher who rendered her duty for an election.

“Sa lahat ng Teacher Emmy, sa lahat ng sumasagisag sa ating mga guro, sa kanilang dedikasyon, sa kanilang sakriprisyo at pagmamahal sa bayan, para sa inyo po iyo,” Rivera said in her acceptance speech.

[Translation: To all Teacher Emmys, and to everyone who embodies our teachers—their dedication, their sacrifice, and their love for the nation, this is for you.]

The 73rd FAMAS Awards night was held at the Manila Hotel on Friday, Aug. 22.