Recognizing her achievements in theater and film.
In its press statement, the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) announced that it is conferring a special award to Broadway diva Lea Salonga during its third annual festival between September 3 and 6 this September.
Salonga, an award-winning singer and actrrss, will be given the MIFF Icon Award in a special tribute during its Closing Night Gala on September 6, 2026 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
The said organization recognized Lea’s contribution to Filipino and Asian representation in the United States and around the world.
“Lea Salonga is a legend whose extraordinary career has broken barriers and inspires generations of Filipino and Asian artists globally,” told Lisa Lew, Executive Producer of the MIFF, in a statement.
She added, “From sweeping major theater awards to voicing classic Disney heroines and starring on screens across both the U.S. and the Philippines, she is the ultimate ambassador for Filipino excellence.“
Lew also conveyed the festival’s pride to be championing Salonga’s achievements by nominating her for an Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
The Tony and Olivier Award-winner will be inducted later this year, specifically in the Live Theater category, making history as the first Filipina ever to receive the honor.
Among Lea Salonga’s long list of achievements and accolades is her acclaimed performance originating the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, which earned her Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards for Best Actress.
She also starred in various films such as Sana Maulit Muli, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal, Pik Pak Boom, Yellow Rose and The Vale and as the timeless singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II.
Recently, she also voiced Celine in KPop Demon Hunters as the singing voice of Celine and is part of the upcoming DreamWorks movie Forgotten Island, which is based on Filipino folklore.
Meanwhile, the MIFF is returning to Hollywood as it will be mounted at the TCL Chinese Theatre from September 3 to 6, with the full list of films to be announced in due course.
Founded in 2024, MIFF has screened more than 20 films and recognized artists including Boots Anson Roa, Dingdong Dantes, Piolo Pascual, Tia Carrere, Vilma Santos, and more through its awards competition and annual Closing Night Gala.