People with down syndrome and LGBTQIA+ icon Vice Ganda made history at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), as two groundbreaking films dominated the top acting and picture awards at the Gabi ng Parangal held in Makati City on Saturday, December 27.
“I’mPerfect,” a film centered on the lives and dreams of people with Down syndrome, was named Best Picture. Its lead star, Krystel Go, herself a person with Down syndrome, won Best Actress—prevailing over performances by Nadine Lustre, Angelica Panganiban, and Bianca de Vera.
Overcome with emotion, Go said, “Kaya rin po naming umarte…Lord, tinupad mo po ang pangarap ko, naming lahat na maging artista.”
The film also earned Best Ensemble, a newly introduced MMFF category.
Meanwhile, Vice Ganda won his first-ever Best Actor award for his performance in the comedy-drama “Call Me Mother,” marking a milestone in his MMFF career since 2012.
He portrayed a queer parent seeking to legally adopt the child he raised for ten years.
In his acceptance speech, Vice said, “Salamat po, nakita niyo po ako. Salamat po kinilala niyo po ako. It’s really 2025. And it’s really possible and it’s real. Queer people can be best actors.”
“Call Me Mother” also won 3rd Best Picture and the Gender Sensitivity Award, while Lucas Andalio, who played Vice’s on-screen child, was named Best Child Performer.