POP NEWS DIGITAL

The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has postponed its announcement of the Philippines’ official entry to the 99th Academy Awards (2027 Oscars). The National Selection Committee is still deliberating on the submitted films and has decided to take more time to complete its evaluation and finalize its recommendation. Recognizing the importance of representing Philippine cinema internationally, the Film Academy affirms that the selection process deserves thorough time and consideration. The FAP will announce the new date for the official entry once the selection process is complete. Eight films are in contention to become the Philippines’ official entry to the Best International Feature Film category of the 99th Academy Awards.  The Film Academy announced the local submissions for consideration on June 18 during its Byaheng Oscars press conference. The contenders are Carl Joseph Papa’s 58th; Jade Castro’s All the Things I Leave You (Patawid); Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana; Sigrid An...

  GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures' animated documentary film "58th" won the Facing the Edge Award at the 2026 Doc Edge Festival, New Zealand's premier documentary festival and an Academy Awards-qualifying event.  Directed by award-winning filmmaker Carl Joseph Papa, and with a stellar cast led by Sparkle star Glaiza de Castro, “58th” received the award, which honors films that take audiences "to the boundary of justice, technology, love, and what it means to be human in a shifting world." The latest recognition further cements the film's growing international success following its official selection at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France and its inclusion among the Top 10 Audience Choice Films at the 2026 International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Netherlands. "58th" revisits the Maguindanao Massacre, widely regarded as the deadliest attack on journalists in history. The film honors the victims while bringing r...

GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ animated documentary film “58th” continues its international festival run after being officially selected to screen at the 2026 edition of Doc Edge Festival, New Zealand’s premier documentary festival and an Academy Awards-qualifying event. The selection marks another major milestone for the film, following its earlier selections at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival and International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this year. Recognized globally as one of the leading platforms for documentary storytelling, Doc Edge is accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with winners in selected categories becoming eligible for Oscar consideration. The Doc Edge Festival showcases the best films from New Zealand and around the world and is committed to selecting high-quality films that demonstrate excellence in storytelling, celebrate diversity, and inspire social change.   “58th” revisits the Maguindanao Massa...

  GMA Public Affairs and GMA Pictures’ animated documentary film "58th" has been officially selected to compete at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the world’s most esteemed platform for animation. At a press conference in Annecy, France, on April 28, 2026, festival organizers unveiled the competing films in the Contrechamp Feature Films category, with "58th" among them. This milestone is a significant achievement for the film, placing "58th" alongside some of the most exceptional animated works worldwide. "58th" pays tribute to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre, a tragic chapter in Philippine history, and brings attention to the story of Reynaldo "Bebot" Momay, the massacre’s 58th victim. This marks the first time a GMA Network film has been selected for screening at Annecy. It highlights the growing presence of Filipino talent on the international stage and the evolution of Philippine animation as a compell...