The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) has been a centerpiece of Filipino cinema since 1975, honoring outstanding local films each Christmas season.
Over its decades-long history, several movies have stood out not just for popularity, but for sweeping awards at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal — the festival’s prestigious awards night recognizing artistic and technical excellence.
Here’s a look at some of the most award-winning MMFF entries ever, based on the number of trophies they collected during their respective festival editions:
1. JOSÉ RIZAL (1998) – 17 Awards
Often cited as the most awarded film in MMFF history, José Rizal dominated the 24th Metro Manila Film Festival by winning 17 out of 18 awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Marilou Diaz-Abaya), and numerous technical categories — a near clean sweep that set an all-time record.
This historical biopic about the Philippine national hero remains one of the most celebrated entries in the festival’s history.
2. 10,000 HOURS (2013) – 14 Awards
The biographical thriller 10,000 Hours earned 14 MMFF awards at the 39th MMFF, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for now-Senator Robin Padilla and other major categories.
This film is remembered for its strong performances and technical achievements that resonated with both critics and audiences.
3. MAGIC TEMPLE (1996) – 14 Awards
Magic Temple, a fantasy adventure from Star Cinema, claimed 14 awards at the 22nd MMFF, including Best Picture, Best Director, and a wide array of technical and creative honors, showcasing the festival’s appreciation for genre filmmaking.
The film’s success highlighted MMFF’s versatility beyond mainstream drama and comedy.
4. MURO-AMI (1999) – 13 Awards
At the 25th Metro Manila Film Festival, Muro-Ami earned 13 MMFF awards, including Best Picture and other top honors.
The film’s critical acclaim reflected its compelling storytelling and social relevance.
5. MANILA KINGPIN: THE ASIONG SALONGA STORY (2011) – 12 Awards
This biographical crime drama stood out at the 37th MMFF, winning 12 awards, including Best Picture and multiple major categories, and is considered one of the festival’s most celebrated films of the 2010s.
Other Notable High-Award Films
Mano Po (2002) – A cultural family drama that earned multiple wins in its year and later spawned sequels.
Mindanao (2019) – A film that captured 11 awards at the festival, reflecting MMFF’s continued recognition of socially relevant cinema.
WHY THESE FILMS MATTER
These award-winning entries demonstrate the MMFF’s dual role as both a platform for commercial Filipino films and a stage for artistic excellence.
While the festival draws audiences with beloved genres like comedy and romance, many of its most lauded winners are films with deeper cultural, historical, or societal resonance — from biographical epics and historical dramas to films that push the boundaries of local cinema craft.
Whether they broke records like José Rizal, captivated hearts like 10,000 Hours, or enchanted audiences like Magic Temple, these films remain enduring highlights in the legacy of the Metro Manila Film Festival.