Vice Ganda’s Triumphant First FAMAS Best Actor Win: A Speech Full of Heart, Humor, and Hope

In a truly historic night at the 73rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards, Vice Ganda stunned both critics and fans alike by claiming their first-ever Best Actor award for the film And the Breadwinner Is…. This crowning moment was not only a recognition of a bold and nuanced performance, but also an emotionally resonant triumph that has ripple effects far beyond the silver screen.

A Moment Made for History

Vice Ganda’s win marks a singular milestone: the comedian, TV host, and film star—long adored for their wit—has broken free from typecasting to showcase authentic dramatic prowess. The film itself has been both a commercial blockbuster and critical success, grossing over ₱460 million and earning praise for casting Vice in roles that transcend comedic archetypes.

As they ascended the stage, the air was thick with anticipation and palpable excitement. In that moment, Vice Ganda wasn’t simply accepting an award—they were rewriting narratives and opening doors.

The Speech: From Gratitude to Empowerment

Vice Ganda’s acceptance speech was a masterclass in tone-setting: equal parts heartfelt, humorous, and profound.

They began with a light-hearted greeting, joking, “Thank you so, so much. Thank you to FAMAS for making the very first blonde, full-makeup, in a black gown, the recipient of the Best Actor award.” The line drew laughter and served as a celebration of identity and visibility.

But it was what followed that truly captured hearts. Vice Ganda shifted seamlessly into gratitude—to family, collaborators, and critics alike—then turned toward a deeply personal dedication:

“I dedicate this win to queer kids: ‘Your possibilities are limitless.’”
“This is my biggest clapback,” they declared, transforming what could have been a symbolic moment into a powerful statement of resilience and hope .

A “Biggest Clapback” with Meaning

The phrase “biggest clapback” resonated widely. In casual pop culture usage, a clapback is a witty, assertive response—often to criticism or adversity. Here, Vice Ganda reclaims that language beautifully. This win wasn’t just about accolades—it was about dismantling preconceptions: that a comedian can do serious work, that queer voices belong in the highest echelons of recognition, and that diversity need not be tolerated—it should be celebrated.

Themes of Inclusivity and Representation

Vice’s message underscores the transformative power of representation. Growing up, many Filipino queer kids rarely saw themselves reflected in mainstream media in roles of dignity or depth. By stepping into the Best Actor spotlight, Vice Ganda tells them: you are visible, your stories matter, and your talent has its own light.

Media echoed this impact. ABS-CBN highlighted: “Vice Ganda dedicates FAMAS Best Actor win to queer kids: ‘Your possibilities are limitless.’” . Manila Times emphasized the milestone itself: “Vice Ganda… Best Actor. Even just the nomination made me so proud, and then I won,” they shared, capturing the overwhelming joy and validation felt by the star and their community .

The Role That Changed the Narrative

In And the Breadwinner Is…, Vice Ganda plays a complex, emotional role that extends beyond laughs—closer to reality than comedic exaggeration. Critics lauded the performance as layered and empathetic, with ABS-CBN praising how Vice “captured audiences’ hearts,” and SINEGANG.ph noting how the film allowed Vice to break the stereotype of being ‘just a comedian’ .

The FAMAS recognition cements this transformation, spotlighting a performance that resonated on emotional, cultural, and artistic levels.

Broader Cultural Ripples

Vice Ganda’s win embodies more than personal triumph. It positions them as a trailblazer—an openly non-binary artist (who uses he/him pronouns for consistency in media) thriving in both comedic and dramatic realms . This multidimensional representation matters, especially in Filipino media culture, where strict identity norms have long held sway.

Tying It All Together

Vice Ganda’s first FAMAS Best Actor victory is monumental not only for its prestige but for the statement it makes:

To performers: genre is not a limit—emotion and craft are limitless.

To queer Filipinos: this is proof that doors can open, and ceilings can be shattered.

To the industry and audience: representation is not just symbolic—it’s powerful, resonant, and necessary.

In saying the speech was their “biggest clapback,” Vice Ganda modeled how you can take what society casts as critique or limitation and turn it into celebration. This win—on one of the Philippines’ most eminent award stages—shimmers with intent, determination, and joy.

Reflecting on Impact

Vice Ganda’s speech reverberated beyond the award hall. Headlines across platforms, from ABS-CBN to Manila Times, reflected on both the heartfelt dedication to queer youth and the personal milestone it represented .Viewers flooded social media, sharing clips and expressing pride and inspiration.

For Filipinos tuning in—especially queer youth—this moment likely sparked something deeply personal: a recognition that they could belong, succeed, and be celebrated on their own terms.

Looking Forward

What’s next for Vice Ganda? Their win may open doors for richer roles, more inclusive casting, and continued boundary-pushing projects. For the FAMAS and the entertainment industry, it’s a signal that diversity and originality should be part of narratives at every level.

As Vice Ganda stood on that stage—dressed in full glamour, makeup, and proudly queer—they wasn’t just accepting an award. They were saying: I belong. We belong. And yes, our possibilities are limitless.