Manunuri, 1st Gawad Urian, 1977. Photo from Cesar Hernando Collection
The Birth of MPP and the Gawad Urian, 01 May 1976
Fifty years ago today, a group of writers and professors met at the Taza de Oro in Malate, Manila. Over hot pan de sal and steamy cups of tsokolate, they came up with a starlight idea to establish a film awards to give recognition to the outstanding Filipino films of the year. This group of fervent trailblazers included Behn Cervantes, Petronilo Daroy, Pio de Castro III, Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., Justino Dormiendo, Mario Hernando, Bienvenido Lumbera, Manny Pichel, Nicanor G. Tiongson and Nestor Torre. Thus, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino was born, with Nestor Torre as the founding chair.
The Gawad Urian is the Manunuri’s symbolic measurement of the artistic value of our Filipino films. In ancient times, the goldsmith classified gold with the use of a living stone called “urian.” In February 1977, the first Gawad Urian awards were held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Little Theater. Bagging the pioneering awards were Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (Best Picture), Eddie Romero (Best Director, Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon), Vic Silayan (Best Actor, Ligaw na Bulaklak), Nora Aunor (Best Actress, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos), Ruel Vernal (Best Supporting Actor, Insiang), and Maya Valdez (Best Supporting Actress, Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo) and Yvonne (Best Supporting Actress, Ligaw na Bulaklak), among other awards. LVN producer Manuel de Leon was honored with the first Natatanging Gawad Urian, a lifetime achievement award.
The 49th Gawad Urian Nominations
See the complete list of nominees.
The awarding ceremonies will be held in October 2026.
Manunuri partners with De La Salle University (DLSU) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to host the 49th Gawad Urian. DLSU units include the Office of the Br. President, College of Liberal Arts (CLA), Department of Literature, Bienvenido N. Santos Creative Writing Center (BNSCWC), STRATCOM (Strategic Communications), and Culture and Arts Office Green Media Group, AV Services Unit, VP Administration, Facilities Services Office, among others.
Manunuri
Background and current members
Gawad Urian
The awards, nominees, and winners
Reviews
Articles on Best Picture nominees
MPP Statements
- MPP Statement on the Unjust Detainment of Filmmaker Jade Castro
- MPP Statement against ABS-CBN Shutdown
- MPP Statement in Defense of Press Freedom
- MPP Joint Statement with Filipino artists to protest Anti-Terrorism Bill
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