Did you know that Nora Aunor has the most MMFF Best Actress wins in history?

Nora Aunor, the name synonymous with Philippine cinema, has left an indelible mark on the industry across five decades. Beyond iconic roles and a celebrated career, did you know she holds a record that speaks volumes about her acting prowess?

Step into the realm of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and you'll discover that Nora Aunor isn't just a celebrated actress; she is the most awarded Best Actress in the festival's history. With an impressive collection of eight trophies, she stands alone at the top since the MMFF's inception in 1975.

Her journey to becoming the MMFF's queen of acting began in 1979 with Lino Brocka's 'Ina Ka ng Anak Mo.' In this poignant drama, Aunor portrayed Esther, a daughter caught in a web of familial complexities when she uncovers an affair between her husband and her mother.

The accolades continued in 1982 with Ishmael Bernal's 'Himala,' a film that transported audiences to the isolated town of Cupang. Aunor embodied Elsa, a faith healer whose visions of the Virgin Mary ignite both hope and turmoil within her community.

In 1984, Mario O’Hara’s 'Bulaklak sa City Jail' showcased Aunor as Angela Aguilar, a woman unjustly imprisoned after defending herself against an assault – a powerful portrayal of resilience within confinement.

The 1990s saw Aunor's continued reign, starting with Gil Portes' 'Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?'. She brought to life Andrea, a pregnant rebel seeking refuge, grappling with motherhood amidst ideological conflict.

The very next year, 1991, she won again for 'Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M,' directed by Elwood Perez. Aunor played Pacita M., a mother facing an agonizing dilemma: the life support of her comatose daughter after a devastating accident.

In 1995, 'Muling Umawit ang Puso' by Joel Lamangan saw Aunor portray a kundiman singer whose voice and career are fading, capturing the poignant beauty of a bygone era.

After a hiatus from cinema, Aunor made a triumphant return in 2012 with Brillante Mendoza’s 'Thy Womb.' She embodied Shaleha, a Badjao midwife in Tawi-Tawi, navigating the complexities of life and longing in a remote island community.

Her eighth and most recent MMFF Best Actress win came in 2016 for 'Kabisera.' Directed by Arturo San Agustin and Real Florido, Aunor was Mercy, a matriarch holding her family together after the sudden and violent death of her husband.

While Aunor's record is unmatched, fellow cinematic luminaries Maricel Soriano and Vilma Santos-Recto closely follow with five Best Actress awards each. These three, along with Amy Austria, were all celebrated for their immense contributions to Philippine cinema with MMFF Hall of Fame awards in 2019.