The Eddys 2026 Honors John Arcilla, Janice de Belen, Edgar Mortiz, and Rio Locsin with Movie Icon Awards

 

Philippine cinema’s most enduring talents will take center stage at the 9th edition of The Eddys as the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) recognizes four industry veterans whose careers have helped shape generations of Filipino storytelling.

This year’s Movie Icon Award will be presented to John Arcilla, Edgar Mortiz, Rio Locsin, and Janice de Belen during the awards ceremony on July 5 at the Ceremonial Hall of Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. The distinction acknowledges not only their longevity in the industry but also their role in elevating the artistic standards of Philippine filmmaking through decades of acclaimed performances.

The recognition underscores a broader truth about cinema. While blockbuster successes often dominate headlines, it is the sustained excellence of seasoned performers that strengthens an industry’s foundation. Like master craftsmen who refine their skills over a lifetime, these actors have consistently delivered performances that continue to influence both audiences and younger generations of artists.

Beyond honoring screen legends, The Eddys will also spotlight individuals whose impact extends into public service and community development. Receiving the Isah V. Red Award are business executive and philanthropist Chaye Cabal Revilla and actor Donny Pangilinan.

Revilla has long championed education through Gabay Guro, one of the country's most established advocacy programs dedicated to supporting teachers. As executive director and chief finance, risk and sustainability officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, she has also mobilized support from various personalities and organizations to strengthen the initiative's reach and effectiveness. Gabay Guro remains a flagship program of the PLDT-Smart Foundation.

Pangilinan earns the distinction for a practical response to economic challenges faced by ordinary Filipinos. During the fuel price surge in March, he introduced diesel discounts at his family-operated gas station in Cavite, providing relief to motorists affected by rising global energy costs and supply disruptions.

The Eddys will likewise recognize achievements in filmmaking and entertainment journalism through two special honors. Director and songwriter Joven Tan will receive the Joe Quirino Award, reflecting his successful transition from entertainment journalism to filmmaking, where he has directed several motion pictures. Meanwhile, veteran television reporter Lhar Santiago will be honored with the Manny Pichel Award for his longstanding contribution to entertainment reporting, a career that spans decades and includes leadership roles in print journalism and newspaper column writing.

Commercial success will also be acknowledged during the ceremony. Vice Ganda is set to receive the Box Office Heroes Award following the remarkable performance of Call Me Mother, which generated P392 million at the box office.

According to SPEEd President Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, the awards continue to serve as a platform for recognizing individuals whose dedication has left a lasting mark on Philippine cinema. She emphasized that this year’s honorees represent excellence not only within the entertainment industry but also in initiatives that positively influence Filipino communities.

In addition to the special citations, The Eddys will confer 14 acting and technical awards selected from films released in theaters and digital platforms during the eligibility period. Prior to the announcement of nominees, SPEEd conducted an extensive review and deliberation process at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, the official screening venue partner of the awards.

The annual event remains one of the country's prominent film recognition programs, celebrating the accomplishments of actors, filmmakers, writers, directors, and producers who contribute to the growth of Philippine cinema.

Last year's ceremony saw Green Bones emerge as the biggest winner, taking home major honors including Best Picture, Best Director for Zig Dulay, Best Actor for Dennis Trillo, and Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid. Marian Rivera secured the Best Actress award for Balota, while Lorna Tolentino was named Best Supporting Actress for Espantaho.

Founded in 2015, SPEEd is a nonprofit organization composed of entertainment editors from national broadsheets, leading tabloids, and major online news platforms. Through The Eddys, the organization continues to recognize the individuals whose work shapes the present and future of Filipino filmmaking.