The last 25 years of Philippine Cinema have witnessed a renaissance of female performance—where artistry, emotional depth, and cultural resonance have converged to redefine what it means to be a leading lady.
From indie breakthroughs to box-office juggernauts, from festival darlings to mainstream icons, a select group of actresses have consistently risen above the rest, earning acclaim across the country’s most prestigious award-giving bodies.
This feature presents the 30 most celebrated Filipino actresses of the 21st century, based on a comprehensive analysis of their recognition across major institutions: FAMAS, Gawad Urian, Film Academy of the Philippines’ Luna Awards, the Young Critics Circle, PMPC Star Awards, MMFF, Cinemalaya, and The EDDYs. The ranking considers both wins and nominations in Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories, reflecting not just popularity but sustained excellence and peer recognition.
A Reign of Depth and Versatility
Topping the list is Judy Ann Santos, whose career has spanned genres and generations. Her performances in films like Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, Ploning, and Mindanao have earned her accolades from nearly every major body, including multiple wins from FAMAS, LUNA, Cinemalaya, and MMFF. Her dominance is not merely statistical—it’s a testament to her ability to embody both the everyday Filipina and the mythic maternal figure with equal grace.
Following closely is Nora Aunor, whose legacy continues to expand well into the 21st century. Her work in Thy Womb, Naglalayag, and Dementia has garnered critical acclaim, particularly from Gawad Urian and the Young Critics Circle, where her performances are often hailed as masterclasses in restraint and emotional truth.
Vilma Santos, another titan of Philippine cinema, remains a formidable presence. Her roles in Dekada ’70, Ekstra, and Everything About Her have earned her consistent recognition, especially from PMPC and MMFF, where her ability to balance gravitas with accessibility has made her a perennial favorite.
Here’s a curated table of the Top 30 Filipino Actresses of the 21st Century, based on their cumulative recognition across major award-giving bodies. Each entry includes a brief note on their career highlights and artistic impact:
Top 30 Filipino Actresses (2000–Present)
| Rank | Actress | Career Highlights & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judy Ann Santos | Versatile powerhouse with acclaimed roles in Kasal Kasali Kasalo, Mindanao, Ploning. |
| 2 | Nora Aunor | Legendary icon; praised for Thy Womb, Naglalayag, and Dementia. |
| 3 | Vilma Santos | Timeless performer; standout in Dekada ’70, Ekstra, Everything About Her. |
| 4 | Alessandra de Rossi | Indie queen; known for Watchlist, Kita Kita, Azucena, My Amanda. |
| 5 | Gina Pareño | Master of character roles; lauded for Kubrador, Hintayan ng Langit, Serbis. |
| 6 | Angelica Panganiban | Emotionally raw performances in One More Try, Exes Baggage, Santa Santita. |
| 7 | Mylene Dizon | Consistent excellence in 100, Heneral Luna, Gatas sa Dibdib ng Kaaway. |
| 8 | Cherry Pie Picache | Festival favorite; acclaimed in Kaleldo, Foster Child, Isda. |
| 9 | Maricel Soriano | Veteran star; praised for Inang Yaya, Filipinas, In His Mother’s Eyes. |
| 10 | Nadine Lustre | Breakout star turned serious actress in Never Not Love You, Ulan, Deleter. |
| 11 | Angel Locsin | Dramatic depth in In the Name of Love, Everything About Her, One More Try. |
| 12 | Jaclyn Jose | Cannes-winning actress; standout in Ma’Rosa, Naglalayag, Sarong Banggi. |
| 13 | Charo Santos-Concio | Elegant and cerebral; praised for Ang Babaeng Humayo, Kun Maupay Man It Panahon. |
| 14 | Janice de Belen | Quietly brilliant in Last Viewing, Ringgo, Big Night. |
| 15 | Lorna Tolentino | Regal presence in Burgos, Katas ng Saudi, Magnifico, Sa’yo Lamang. |
| 16 | Agot Isidro | Acclaimed in Changing Partners, Mga Anino ng Kahapon, Kung Paano Siya Nawala. |
| 17 | Iza Calzado | Bold and layered roles in Bliss, Tagpuan, Dukot, Starting Over Again. |
| 18 | Max Eigenmann | Rising indie force; praised for 12 Weeks, Verdict, Kulay Lila Ang Gabi. |
| 19 | Claudine Barretto | Early 2000s icon; standout in Milan, Nasaan Ka Man, Kailangan Kita. |
| 20 | Bea Alonzo | Box-office queen with critical acclaim in One More Chance, The Mistress, Unbreakable. |
| 21 | Eugene Domingo | Comic genius with dramatic chops in Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, Barber’s Tales. |
| 22 | Gloria Romero | Revered matriarch; unforgettable in Tanging Yaman, Rainbow’s Sunset. |
| 23 | Maja Salvador | Dynamic performer in Thelma, I’m Drunk I Love You, Arisaka. |
| 24 | Charlie Dizon | Breakout star in Fan Girl, Third World Romance. |
| 25 | Sharon Cuneta | Enduring icon; acclaimed in Caregiver, Crying Ladies, Revirginized. |
| 26 | Cristine Reyes | Bold and intense in UnTrue, No Other Woman, Seven Sundays. |
| 27 | Ai-Ai de las Alas | Comedy queen with dramatic turns in Ang Tanging Ina, School Service. |
| 28 | Marian Rivera | Mainstream favorite with rising acclaim in Balota, Rewind. |
| 29 | Joana Ampil | Musical and dramatic excellence in Ang Larawan, Birdshot. |
| 30 | Angeli Bayani | Indie stalwart; praised for Norte, Bwaya, Bagahe, Melancholia. |
The Indie Icons and Festival Queens
Alessandra de Rossi emerges as a powerhouse of independent cinema. Her performances in Watchlist, Kita Kita, and Azucena have earned her top honors from Gawad Urian, Cinemalaya, and The EDDYs. De Rossi’s career is marked by a fearless commitment to complex, often unglamorous roles that challenge societal norms and emotional boundaries.
Gina Pareño, Cherry Pie Picache, and Mylene Dizon also rank high, thanks to their consistent presence in both lead and supporting roles across critically acclaimed films. Pareño’s work in Kubrador and Hintayan ng Langit, Picache’s in Kaleldo and Foster Child, and Dizon’s in 100 and Heneral Luna have earned them recognition from nearly every major body, showcasing their versatility and depth.
Mainstream Stars with Critical Clout
Angelica Panganiban, Angel Locsin, and Bea Alonzo represent a rare breed of actresses who have successfully bridged commercial success with critical acclaim.
Panganiban’s emotionally raw performances in One More Try and Exes Baggage have earned her multiple nominations and wins, while Locsin’s work in In the Name of Love and Everything About Her has been lauded for its intensity and vulnerability.
Alonzo, known for her romantic dramas like One More Chance and The Mistress, has consistently earned nods from FAMAS, LUNA, and PMPC, proving that mainstream appeal need not come at the expense of artistic merit.
The New Guard and Rising Legends
Nadine Lustre’s ascent is particularly noteworthy. With standout performances in Never Not Love You, Ulan, and Deleter, she has earned recognition from FAMAS, Gawad Urian, MMFF, and The EDDYs—an impressive feat for someone whose career began in youth-oriented fare. Her evolution into a serious dramatic actress signals a generational shift in Philippine cinema.
Charlie Dizon, Janine Gutierrez, and Max Eigenmann represent the new wave of actresses whose work in films like Fan Girl, Babae at Baril, and 12 Weeks has garnered attention from critics and award bodies alike. Their inclusion in this list reflects not just promise, but already-proven excellence.
A Legacy Etched in Awards and Impact
This ranking is not merely a tally of trophies—it’s a portrait of sustained brilliance. Each actress here has been recognized multiple times by her peers, critics, and institutions that define the standards of Philippine film. The methodology behind the list weighs both wins and nominations, across lead and supporting categories, and across bodies that represent different sectors of the industry—from critics to producers, from mainstream to independent.
What emerges is a constellation of talent that has shaped—and continues to shape—the emotional, cultural, and artistic landscape of Filipino storytelling. These women are not just performers; they are architects of empathy, carriers of myth, and vessels of truth.
Their legacy is not just in the roles they’ve played, but in the lives they’ve touched, the stories they’ve told, and the standards they’ve set. And as Philippine cinema continues to evolve, their brilliance remains a guiding light.
