Pinoy In The City: MOVIE REVIEW | Reel Royalty: Ranking the Best MMFF Pictures of Their Respective Years

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

MOVIE REVIEW | Reel Royalty: Ranking the Best MMFF Pictures of Their Respective Years

Top 20 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Picture Ranked

MMFF, inaugurated in 1975, marked the epoch when luminaries such as Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos ascended to the status of national icons as fervent fandoms burgeoned. The zenith of competition unfolded in 1978, a night etched in history for its fiercely contested awards, notably featuring the iconic duel between Nora and Vilma. This rivalry transcended the realms of accolades and box office triumphs, spilling over into the palpable tension of physical altercations among their ardent supporters in cinema lobbies.

The ensuing decade, the 1980s, witnessed a more audacious and experimental cinematic landscape, epitomized by groundbreaking films like "Himala" and "Bulaklak sa City Jail." Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos continued their enthralling rivalry, captivating award ceremonies with their formidable films. A noteworthy clash occurred in 1981, with Nora Aunor ("Rock and Roll") and Vilma Santos ("Karma") standing as the sole nominees for Best Actress; ultimately, Vilma Santos emerged victorious. The following year, Nora Aunor clinched the Best Actress accolade for "Himala."

The 1990s ushered in a wave of socially relevant films, delving into authentic narratives of personal struggles and portraying historical luminaries such as Jose Rizal. In the 2000s, the cinematic landscape shifted towards mass appeal, with films eschewing social commentary in favor of humor and fantasy, catering to a broader audience.

Here's our curated selection of the finest MMFF pictures, each declared winners in their respective year, meticulously ranked