Ang Aktor PH (League of Filipino Actors), ang organisasyon ng mga aktor na Pilipino na pinamumunuan ni Dingdong Dantes, ang naghain ng nominasyon sa respected at multi-awarded actress na si Vilma Santos para sa National Artist award.
Read: Vilma Santos on fans lobbying for her National Artist nomination
Ang nominasyon ni Vilma sa pinakamataas na karangalan para sa isang alagad ng sining ang pagkilala ng Aktor PH sa mga kontribusyon ng aktres sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino sa loob ng anim na dekada.
Sa pamamagitan ng nominasyon ng Aktor PH kay Vilma sa National Artist award, ipinagdiriwang ang kanyang walang hanggang pamana, pambihirang versatility, at makabuluhang kontribusyon sa sining at kultura ng Pilipinas.
Ang kanyang patuloy na kaugnayan, dedikasyon sa kanyang propesyon at impluwensiya sa lipunan ay nagbibigay-diin sa kanyang pagiging karapat-dapat para sa nabanggit na prestihiyosong karangalan.
Read: Nora Aunor, dumalo sa tribute para sa National Artists sa kabila ng karamdaman
Ang mga sumusunod ang mga ibinigay na dahilan ng Aktor PH sa nominasyon nila para sa National Artist Award sa aktres na kilala bilang Star for All Seasons:
Unparalleled Versatility
Vilma Santos has played an extensive range of characters, showcasing her exceptional acting prowess.
From iconic roles such as Darna and Dyesebel to complex portrayals like a socially conscious nun (Sister Stella L, 1984), a burlesque star (Burlesk Queen, 1977), an AIDS and a terminally ill patient (Because I Love You: The Dolzura Cortez Story, 1992, and Pahiram ng Isang Umaga, 1989), and a rape survivor (Rubia Servios, 1978), Vilma’s versatility is truly unmatched.
Award-Winning Performances
The Star for All Seasons has won numerous acting awards from prestigious local and international bodies, including Gawad Urian, FAMAS, Catholic Mass Media, the Metro Manila Film Festival, PMPC Star Awards, and international film festivals in Brussels and Dhaka. This makes her the most awarded actress in Philippine cinema history.
Cultural Impact: Enduring Relevance
Vilma has remained a significant figure in Philippine cinema, continuously leading in critically acclaimed films even as she turned 70. Widely-known as the longest reigning movie queen of Philippine Cinema, Vilma’s ability to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry is a testament to her talent and dedication.
Her films have had a lasting impact on popular culture, addressing social issues and contributing to national discourse. Movies like Dekada '70 and Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? have sparked important conversations on societal topics.
Public Service: Transition to Politics
Beyond her film career, Vilma Santos has made significant contributions as a public servant. She has served with distinction as mayor, governor, and congresswoman, showing a deep commitment to her constituents.
Her exemplary public service earned her the prestigious Presidential Lingkod Bayan award, the highest honor for a public servant in the Philippines. This recognition highlights that Vilma Santos is more than just a celebrated actress; she understands that her influence and status can be powerful catalysts for positive change.
Her transition from movie star to public servant underscores her dedication to using her platform to serve and uplift her fellow citizens, proving that her talents extend far beyond the screen.
Champion for Women
Many of her roles depict strong, empowered women, reflecting her advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. Vilma’s portrayal of resilient, determined female characters has inspired countless viewers.
Legacy: Advocate for Quality and Excellence
Vilma Santos' commitment to excellence in both commercial and art films has set a benchmark in the industry. Her performances are marked by exceptional intelligence, sincerity, and brilliance, consistently raising the bar for cinematic artistry. With a relentless drive to reinvent herself, she ensures that each role she undertakes is fresh, impactful, and memorable.
Inspiration to Peers
Vilma Santos is widely regarded as a role model within the entertainment industry. Her extraordinary talent and unwavering professionalism set a benchmark for both veteran actors and newcomers alike. She embodies the gold standard in acting prowess and stands as a revered industry icon, continuously inspiring her peers and the next generation of thespians.
Read: Ryan Cayabyab still uncomfortable with National Artist title
THE NATIONAL ARTIST AWARD
Ang Order of National Artist (ONA), na itinatag noong 1972, ay kumikilala sa mga Filipino na gumawa ng mga mahalagang kontribusyon sa pagsulong ng Philippine arts and letter.
Iginagawad ito kada apat na taon.
May pitong kategorya kung saan maaaring gawaran ng National Artist ang isang indibidwal:
- Music (singing, composition, direction, and/or performance)
- Dance (choreography, direction and/or performance)
- Theater (direction, performance and/or production design)
- Contemporary Arts (painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation art, mixed media works, illustration, graphic arts, performance art and/or imaging)
- Literature (poetry, fiction, essay, playwriting, journalism and/or literary criticism)
- Film and Broadcasting/Broadcast Arts (direction, writing, production design, cinematography, editing, camera work, and/or performance)
- Architecture, Design and Allied Arts (architecture design, interior design, industrial arts design, landscape architecture and fashion design).
Si Vilma, kung saka-sakali, ay nasa kategoryang Film and Broadcasting/Broadcast Arts.
Sa kasalukuyan, ang mga ginawaran ng National Artist recognition mula sa Film and Broadcasting/Broadcast Arts ay sina Lamberto Avellana (film and theater), Gerardo de Leon (film), Lino Brocka (film), Ishmael Bernal (film), Eddie Romero (film and broadcast arts), Fernando Poe Jr. (film), Manuel Conde (film and broadcast arts), Kidlat Tahimik (film and broadcast arts), Ricky Lee (film and broadcast arts), Marilou Diaz-Abaya (film and broadcast arts), at Nora Aunor (film and broadcast arts).
Ito naman ang batayan sa paggagawad ng National Artist:
- *Living artists who have been Filipino citizens for the last ten years prior to nomination as well as those who have died after the establishment of the Award in 1972 but were Filipino citizens at the time of their death;
- Artists who have helped build a Filipino sense of nationhood through the content and form of their works;
- Artists who have distinguished themselves by pioneering in a mode of creative expression or style, making an impact on succeeding generations of artists;
- Artists who have created a significant body of works and/or have consistently displayed excellence in the practice of their art form, enriching artistic expression or style; and
- Artists who enjoy broad acceptance through prestigious national and/or international recognition, Award in prestigious national and/or international events, critical acclaim and/or reviews of their works, and/or respect and esteem from peers within an artistic discipline.
Ang susunod na batch ng National Artists ay papangalanan sa 2026.