MANILA – Vice Ganda made history at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal on December 27, 2025, becoming the first openly queer performer to win Best Actor for his heartfelt role as a queer single parent in Call Me Mother. In an emotional acceptance speech, Vice—dressed in a stunning gown—declared: “It is really 2025, and it is really possible, and it is real. Queer people can be best actors. A queer person in a gown can be Best Actor. It’s about damn time.”
This triumph—Vice’s first MMFF Best Actor after 10 entries and multiple nominations—came as a profound moment of validation. “Salamat po, nakita ninyo ako. Kinilala ninyo po ako,” Vice said, choking back tears, thanking director Jun Robles Lana, co-star Nadine Lustre, and the jury for recognizing the story of LGBTQ+ parenthood.
The night also celebrated inclusivity: Krystel Go (with Down syndrome) won Best Actress for I’mPerfect, marking another historic first. Call Me Mother tied for Third Best Picture, while I’mPerfect took First Best Picture.
Vice’s win—after years of nominations and a Special Jury Citation in 2024—symbolizes breaking barriers, proving talent transcends identity. As Vice put it: “It’s 2025″—a year of visibility, acceptance, and triumph for queer artists.
Congratulations, Vice! A well-deserved milestone. 🌟