FAMAS clarifies difference between Maricel Soriano, Maris Racal’s awards

The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) has clarified the difference between the Best Actress Award and the Actress of Distinction Award following confusion over the honors received by Maricel Soriano and Maris Racal at the 74th FAMAS Awards.

On Tuesday, Soriano won Best Actress for her performance in the family drama “Meet, Greet & Bye,” while Racal received the Actress of Distinction award for her role in the coming-of-age sports drama “Sunshine.” The announcement led some fans to believe that the two actresses had tied for Best Actress.

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 28, FAMAS explained that the awards recognize different aspects of acting excellence and are not intended to rank one actress above the other.

The Best Actress Award considers both an actress' performance in a particular film and her broader artistic achievements. FAMAS described it as an honor that “recognizes not only the excellence of an actress in a particular film but also the depth, maturity and cumulative artistic achievements that lend greater significance to her performance.”

The organization said Soriano embodies these qualities through her extensive body of work, which spans different characters, genres, and generations. 

Widely known as the “Diamond Star,” the actress was praised for her sustained excellence, emotional authenticity, and lasting contribution to Philippine cinema. “In this regard, Maricel Soriano exemplifies the very essence of this recognition,” FAMAS said.

Unlike the Best Actress Award, the Actress of Distinction award focuses on the artistic merit of a single performance rather than an actress' cumulative achievements throughout her career.

FAMAS explained that the honor “recognizes a singular performance of exceptional artistic merit — one that demonstrates extraordinary depth, originality, emotional conviction, and an unmistakable impact on the cinematic experience.”

Racal earned the distinction for her portrayal in "Sunshine," which FAMAS praised for its artistic strength and emotional depth, describing it as a portrayal marked by “remarkable courage, sensitivity, and artistic maturity."

"It is a singular performance of such distinctive quality that it merits recognition in its own right, independent of the cumulative achievements traditionally considered in the Best Actress category.” 

FAMAS stressed that the two honors are not competing recognitions and should not be viewed as measures of one actress' superiority over the other.  “Rather, they celebrate two equally important dimensions of cinematic excellence: the enduring brilliance of an actress’s collective artistry and the extraordinary power of one unforgettable performance,” organizers said.

The organization added that distinguishing between the categories allows it to recognize different forms of achievement with greater precision and fairness, without diminishing either actress' accomplishment. 

“FAMAS believes that excellence in acting cannot be measured through a single standard alone. Some artists distinguish themselves through a remarkable legacy of performances, while others deliver a singular portrayal so exceptional that it deserves its own special recognition,” the statement added. 

“Maricel Soriano represents the enduring excellence of distinguished body of work. Maris Racal represents the extraordinary brilliance of a singular, distinctive performance."

It concluded by affirming that both actresses deserved their respective honors: “Both are deserving of recognition. Both embody excellence. Both are truly Pang-FAMAS.”

This marks Soriano's third FAMAS Best Actress AWARD. She previously won the honor in 1996 for “Rage” and in 2000 for “Soltera.”

For Racal, the Actress of Distinction award marks her first nomination and win. She recently won Best Actress at the Gawad Urian Awards, just three weeks before the FAMAS ceremony.

Other notable winners at the 74th FAMAS Awards included McCoy De Leon, who won Best Actor for “In Thy Name.” Ceasar Soriano, a former news reporter who became a director and producer, received Best Director for the same film.

Karylle and Mon Confiado took home Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively, for “Quezon,” while Anica Co won Best Child Performer for “Sunshine.”