Below is the list of winners who I think stole the award from a more deserving nominee and/or unnominated actor(s) or were consolation prizes for previous losses or neglect.
Note: In some cases where there is more than one deserving film portrayal, I noted with equally outstanding performance means the winner deserves its award while the others as suggested alternatives in Should Have Won.
The Worst of the Awards | |
FAMAS Winners | |
| Ben Perez in Ang Bagong Umaga (1952) | Unnominated Jose Padilla Jr. in Ang Sawa Sa Lumang Simboryo |
| Fred Montilla in Bondying (1954) | Unnominated Efren Reyes Sr. in Ifugao |
| Eddie del Mar in Ang Buhay at Pag-ibig ni Jose Rizal (1956) | Jaime de la Rosa in Kumander 13 |
| Van de Leon in Taga Sa Bato (1957) | Tony Santos in Badjao Jaime de la Rosa in Hukom Roldan |
| Van de Leon in Kamandag (1959) | Tony Santos in Biyaya Ng Lupa Manuel Conde in Juan Tamad Goes To Congress |
| Efren Reyes Sr. in Kadenang Putik (1960) | Manuel Conde in Juan Tamad Goes To Society |
| Joseph Estrada in Markang Rehas (1962) | Vic Vargas in Diegong Tabak |
| Eddie Rodriguez in Sapagkat Kami'y Tao Lamang (1963) | Equally Notable: George Nader in Zigzag Fernando Poe Jr. (unnominated) in Sierra Madre |
| Robert Arevalo in Ang Daigdig Ng Mga Api (1965) | Luis Gonzales in Iginuhit Ng Tadhana: The Ferdinand E. Marcos Story |
| Joseph Estrada in Ito Ang Pilipino (1966) | A weak group of competitors |
| Joseph Estrada in Dugo Ng Bayani (1969) | Dolphy (unnominated) in Facifica Falayfay Vic Vargas (unnominated) in Kalinga |
| Eddie Garcia in Tubog Sa Ginto (1970) | Equally notable: Fernando Poe Jr. in Santiago (1970) |
| George Estregan in Sukdulan (1972) | Fernando Poe Jr. in Ang Alamat Ramon Revilla in Nardong Putik |
| Ramon Revilla in Hulihin Si Tiagong Akyat (1973) | Vic Vargas in Nueva Vizcaya |
| Christopher de Leon in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974) | Lito Anzures in Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat Ng Lupa |
| Dolphy in Omeng Satanasia (1977) | Fernando Poe Jr. in Bontoc Robert Arevalo in Hubad Na Bayani Christopher de Leon in Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising |
| Matt Ranillo in Isang Ama, Dalawang Ina (1978) | Dolphy in Ang Tatay Kong Nanay |
| Fernando Poe Jr. in Durugin Si Totoy Bato (1979) | Christopher de Leon in Ang Alamat Ni Julian Makabayan Phillip Salvador (unnominated) in Jaguar |
| Dindo Fernando in Langis at Tubig (1980) | Fernando Poe Jr. (unnominated) in Aguila |
| Joseph Estrada in Kumander Alibasbas (1981) | Vic Silayan in Kisapmata |
| Anthony Alonzo in Bambang (1982) | Phillip Salvador in Cain At Abel Mark Gil (unnominated) in Batch '81 |
| Fernando Poe Jr. (tied) in Umpisahan Mo... Tatapusin Ko (1983) Eddie Garcia (tied) in Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan | Phillip Salvador in Karnal Ace Vergel in Pieta Eddie Garcia (unnominated) in Palabra de Honor |
| Rudy Fernandez in Pasukuin Si Waway (1984) | Tony Santos in Misteryo Sa Tuwa |
| Philip Salvador in Bayan Ko: Kapit Sa Patalim (1985) | Equally Notable: Ronnie Lazaro in Boatman Daniel Fernando in Scorpio Nights |
| Fernando Poe Jr. in Muslim .357 (1986) | Dan Alvaro in Bagong Hari Joel Torre in Bilanggo Sa Dilim |
| Rudy Fernandez in Operation: Get Victor Corpuz, the Rebel Soldier (1987) | Phillip Salvador in Balweg: The Rebel Priest |
| Christopher de Leon in Kapag Napagod Ang Puso (1988) | Ace Vergel in Anak Ng Cabron Alan Paule (unnominated) in Macho Dancer |
| Tirso Cruz III in Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit (1989) | Phillip Salvador (unnominated) in Orapronobis |
| Christopher de Leon in My Other Woman (1990) | Robin Padilla (unnominated) in Anak Ni Baby Ama Richard Gomez (unnominated) in Nagsimula Sa Puso |
| Christopher de Leon in Ipagpatawad Mo (1991) | Richard Gomez (unnominated) in Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit |
| Aga Muhlach in Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992) | Equally Notable: Richard Gomez in Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal |
| Phillip Salvador in Masahol Pa Sa Hayop (1993) | Julio Diaz in Sakay Johnny Delgado in the Aliwan Paradise segment of Southern Winds |
| Bong Revilla in Relax Ka Lang, Sagot Kita (1994) | Cesar Montano in The Cecilia Masagca Story: Antipolo Massacre (Jesus Save Us!) Romnick Sarmenta (unnominated) in Bawal Na Gamot Richard Gomez (unnominated) in Wating |
| Phillip Salvador in Bobby Parkers: Parak (1997) | John Estrada in Calvento Files: The Movie |
| Armando Goyena in Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure (2001) | Jomari Yllana in Gatas Sa Dibdib Ng Kaaway |
| Eddie Garcia in Bahid (2002) | |
| Jay Manalo in Bayaran (2003) | Richard Gomez in Filipinas |
| Piolo Pascual in Milan (2004) | Cesar Montano in Panaghoy Sa Suba Yul Servo in Naglalayag Richard Gutierrez (unnominated) in Sigaw |
| Robin Padilla in La Visa Loca (2005) | A weak year for nominees |
| Cesar Montano in Ligalig (2006) | |
| Jinggoy Estrada in Katas Ng Saudi (2007) | Robin Padilla (unnominated) in Blackout |
| Allen Dizon in Dukot (2009) | Coco Martin in Kinatay Soliman Cruz (unnominated) in A Journey Home |
| John Lloyd Cruz in Miss You Like Crazy (2010) | Coco Martin in Noy Dennis Trillo in Rosario |
| ER Ejercito in Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011) | |
| ER Ejercito in El Presidente (2012) | Jericho Rosales in Alagwa Coco Martin in Sta. Niña |
| ER Ejercito in Boy Golden: Shoot to Kill, the Arturo Porcuna Story (2013) | Robin Padilla in 10,000 Hours Piolo Pascual in On The Job Sid Lucero in Norte, Hangganan Ng Kasaysayan |
| Daniel Padilla in Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016) | Paolo Ballesteros (unnominated) in Die Beautiful John Lloyd Cruz (unnominated) in A Lullaby To The Sorrowful Mystery |
Mark Meily
Note: Below is the list of winners who I think stole the award from a more deserving nominee and/or unnominated director(s) or were consolation prizes for previous losses or neglect.
I choose to feature the FAMAS Awards since it is already an established award a long-standing institution The Filipino Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (and has adequate information) which gives the oldest existing award for the best accomplishments of Filipino films every year since 1952 though it is not comprehensive in scope since the selection committee which chooses the winners for each category were merely prize-winning writers and movie columnists and not widely voted by the members of an Academy which at the same time are also members of the film industry.
The FAMAS has, with limited success, tried to limit the influences of pressure groups and promotion, box office gross receipts, and studio public relations and marketing on voting results. Due to its limitations, it has also attempted to limit votes for melodramatic sentimentality, atonement for past mistakes, personal popularity, and "prestige" or epic scale, but those influences have often had a decided effect on the outcome of some of the poll results. Unfortunately, the critical worth, artistic vision, cultural influence, and innovative qualities of many films are not given the same voting weight.
Especially since the 90s, moneymaking 'formula-made' blockbusters with glossy production values and big production budgets have often been crowd-pleasing titans (and Best Picture winners), but they haven't necessarily been great films with depth or critical acclaim by any measure. However, in the last decade or so, many Best Picture picks have been modest performers at the box office, while the biggest blockbusters (i.e, superhero films) have mostly underperformed as award winners.
Please note: The following chart or selections contain possible alternatives (albeit sometimes opinionated and subjective) for some of the awards given throughout the FAMAS history. In some cases, the 'worst' honoree only means that some other more deserving performer or film might or should have been selected.
The Worst of the Awards | |||
Best Picture Winners (+ an unexpected, upset win) | |||
| Basahang Ginto Korea | 2 Sundalong Kanin Babaeng Hampaslupa Darna At Ang Babaeng Lawin Dimas: The Sainted Robber Kambal Tuko Madame X Sabas, Ang Barbaro | ||
| Blood of Bataan Carlos Trece Cofradia Dagohoy Diwani | |||
 | Ang Biyenang Hindi Tumatawa Dalagang Ilokana Ifugao Jack and Jill MN | ||
| A wear year for nominees | Guerrero Lapu-Lapu Mambo-Dyambo Niña Bonita Sanda Wong | ||
| Desperado Kumander 13 | 5 Hermanos Anak Dalita Boksingera Gilda Krus Na Kawayan Saigon | ||
| Kamay Ni Cain | Badjao: The Sea Gypsies Busabos El Robo Hukom Roldan | |
| Condenado Laban Sa Lahat Talipandas Venganza | Beloved Malvarosa Matira Ang Matibay Ramadal Silveria Ulilang Anghel | ||
| Cry Freedom Kilabot Sa Makiling | Anak Ng Bulkan Juan Tamad Goes To Congress Pitong Gatang | ||
| Gumuhong Bantayog Kadenang Putik | Ginang Hukom Juan Tamad Goes To Society Kambal Sa Sinukuan Matandang Pa Charming Mga Alamat Ng Sandaigdig Nukso Nang Nukso | |
| Mga Yapak Na Walang Bakas The Moises Padilla Story | Alyas Palos Baby Damulag Dalawang Kalbaryo Ni Dr. Mendez Juan Tamad Goes to Malacañang Mister X Molave Pantalan Trece | ||
| A weak set of nominees | Diegong Tabak Jam Session Juan Tamad Enters Malacañang Magnum Rosa Negra The Big Broadcast Tulisan | ||
| Angustia Sapagkat Kami'y Tao Lamang Zigzag | Ang Babaeng Isputnik Isputnik vs. Darna Miting de Avance Si Adiang Waray Si Darna At Ang Impakta Si Juan Tamad At Si Juan Masipag Sa Pulitikang Walang Hanggan Sierra Madre Trudis Liit | ||
| Kulay Dugo Ang Gabi Salambao | Babaing Kidlat Diegong Pusakal LagablabSa Maribojoc | ||
| A Portrait Of The Artist As Filipino Iginuhit Ng Tadhana: The Ferdinand E. Marcos Story Pilipinas Kong Mahal | 7 Mukha Ni Dr. Ivan Darna At Ang Babaing Tuod Maria Cecilia Milarosa | ||
| A very weak year for nominees | Ang Haragan Claudia Diegong Akyat | ||
+Kapag Puso'y Sinugatan (1967) | Dahil Sa Isang Bulaklak | Alamat Ng 7 Kilabot Kwatang: A Star Is Born Maruja Mga Alabok Sa Lupa | |
| Barbaro Cristobal Salamisim Siete Dolores | Ang Dayuhan Anino Ni Sisa Kumander Dimas Mindanao | ||
| Badlis Sa Kinabuhi | Almira Ang Pulubi Aragon Brothers Facifica Falayfay | ||
| Santiago! Tubong Sa Ginto | Octopus Pipo | ||
| Asedillo Nympha Pagdating Sa Dulo | Daluyong! Stardoom | ||
| Ang Alamat | And God Smiled At Me Berdugo Dama De Noche El Vibora | |
| Paru-parong Itim Tanikalang Dugo | Cariñosa Carmela Cofradia Gimingaw Ako Hulihin Si Tiagong Akyat Lipad Darna Lipad | ||
| Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat Ng Lupa Batingaw Pacific Connection Patayin Mo Sa Sindak Si Barbara | Ang Pangalan: Mediavillo Fe, Esperanza, Caridad Kamandag Ng Cobra Kampanerang Kuba Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa Urduja | ||
| Banaue: Stairway To The Sky | Alkitrang Dugo Andalucia Dugo At Pag-ibig Sa Kapirasong Lupa Dung-aw | ||
| Ganito Kami Noon...Paano Kayo Ngayon? Insiang Itim Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos | Ang Barbaro Anino Sa Villa Lagrimas Babae Sa Likod Ng Salamin Bitayin Si... Baby Ama! Daluyong At Habagat Karunungang Itim Pandemonium (Langit, Lupa at Impiyerno) Mga Reynang Walang Trono Mortal Mrs. Eva Fonda, 16 Nunal Sa Tubig Sakada Tatlong Kasalanan | ||
| Maligno | Bontoc Burlesk Queen Ginauhaw Ako, Ginagutom Ako Hubad Na Bayani Inay Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising Mga Bilanggong Birhen Nagbabagang Asero Perfumed Nightmare Tadhana: Ito Ang Lahing Pilipino Valentin Labrador | |
| Atsay Gumising Ka, Maruja Rubia Servios | Amorseko Ang Tatay Kong Nanay Bakekang Doble Kara Mananayaw Mga Mata Ni Angelita | ||
| Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo | Abel at Cain Ang Alamat Ni Julian Makabayan High School Circa '65 Ina, Kapatid, Anak Salawahan Sinong Lumikha Ng Yoyo? Sinong Lumikha Ng Moon Buggy? | ||
| Brutal Kakabakaba Ka Ba? Langis At Tubig | Ang Kabiyak Ang Pagbabalik Ni Leon Guerrero Ang Panday Angela Markado Bona City After Dark (Manila By Night) Kasal? Kastilyong Buhangin Mission: Terrorize Panay Nakaw Na Pag-ibig Nympha Pompa | ||
Kumander Alibasbas (1981) | Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit? Salome | Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang Ang Maestro Bandido Sa Sapang Bato Karma Kisapmata Kontrobersyal San Basilio | |
| Himala | Alamat Ni Leon Guerrero Batch '81 Mga Uod At Rosas Moral Oro, Plata, Mata PX Relasyon T-Bird At Ako Waywaya | |
| Broken Marriage Nagalit Ang Buwan Sa Haba Ng Gabi Paano Ba Ang Mangarap? Pieta Saan Darating Ang Umaga? | Init Sa Magdamag Palabra de Honor Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon | ||
| Bulaklak Sa City Jail Misteryo Sa Tuwa Sister Stella L. | 'Merika Adultery Alias Baby Tsina Bagets Bukas May Pangarap Condemned Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan Private Show | |
| Bakit Manipis Ang Ulap? Bayan Ko: Kapit Sa Patalim Miguelito: Batang Rebelde | Ano Ang Kulay Ng Mukha Ng Diyos? Beloved Bituing Walang Ningning Boatman Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit Hinugot Sa Langit Isla Scorpio Nights Tinik Sa Dibdib Virgin Forest | |
| Magdusa Ka! | Bilanggo Sa Dilim Palimos Ng Pag-Ibig | |
| Balweg, the Rebel Priest Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa Tagos Ng Dugo | Alabok Sa Ulap Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig | ||
| Lorenzo Ruiz The Saint...A Filipino Nagbabagang Luha | 3 Mukha Ng Pag-ibig Babaeng Hampaslupa Itanong Mo Sa Buwan | ||
| Imortal Macho Dancer | Ang Babaeng Nawawala Sa Sarili Orapronobis | ||
| Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak | Asiong Salonga: Hari Ng Tondo Kapag Langit Ang Humatol Nagsimula Sa Puso | ||
| Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit Kislap Sa Dilim | Class of '91 Dinampot Ka Lang Sa Putik Emma Salazar Case Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos Matud Nila | ||
| Narito Ang Puso Ko Sinungaling Mong Puso | Akin Ang Pangarap Mo Bayani Lucia | ||
| Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story May Minamahal Sakay | Hanggang Saan Hanggang Kailan Inay Kadenang Bulaklak Pugoy-Hostage: Davao The Myrna Diones Story (Lord, Have Mercy!) The Vizconde Massacre: God, Help Us! | |
Lipa 'Arandia' Massacre: Lord, Deliver Us From Evil (1994) | Pangako Ng Kahapon Separada | Loretta Mayor Cesar Climaco Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin Sa Isang Sulok Ng Mga Pangarap The Cecilia Masagca Story: Antipolo Massacre (Jesus, Save Us!) The Elsa Castillo Story... Ang Katotohanan The Fatima Buen Story Vampira Wating | |
| Dahas | Eskapo Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara | ||
| Madrasta Mulanay: Sa Pusod Ng Paraiso Segurista | Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap Ama, Ina, Anak Madrasta Mulanay: Sa Pusod Ng Paraiso Mumbaki Sa Aking Mga Kamay Segurista Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar | ||
| The Sarah Balabagan Story Damong Ligaw | Ang Lalaki Sa Buhay Ni Selya Babae Calvento Files: The Movie Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin Minsan Lamang Magmamahal Nasaan Ang Puso | ||
| Ama Namin Bata, Bata... Pa'no Ka Ginawa? Sa Pusod Ng Dagat | Babae Sa Bubungang Lata Carino Brutal Curacha, Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga Miguel/Michelle Mother Ignacia, Ang Uliran Serafin Geronimo: Ang Kriminal Ng Baryo Concepcion | ||
| Soltera | Ang Kabit Ni Mrs. Montero Anino Bulaklak Ng Maynila Esperanza: The Movie Hubad Sa Ilalim Ng Buwan Sisa | ||
| Anak Azucena Deathrow | Bayaning 3rd World Lagarista Markova: Comfort Gay Pangarap Ng Puso | ||
| Abakada... Ina Gatas... Sa Dibdib Ng Kaaway Tatarin | Batang West Side Mila Tuhog | ||
| A weak set of nominees | Dekada '70 Hesus, Rebolusyunaryo Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon Magkapatid Mano Po | ||
| Filipinas Homecoming | Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa Babae Sa Breakwater Crying Ladies Lupe: A Seaman's Wife Mano Po 2: My Home Noon At Ngayon | ||
| Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita Panaghoy Sa Suba | Beautiful Life Ebolusyon Ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino Sabel Sigaw (The Echo) | ||
| Mga Pusang Gala | Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros Maicling Pelikula Nang Ysang Indio Nacional Masahista Rigodon Sa North Diversion Road Sa Aking Pagkakagising Mula Sa Kamulatan | ||
| Inang Yaya Kaleldo Kubrador | Ang Huling Araw Ng Linggo Ang Pamana Batad Blue Moon Heremias: Unang Aklat - Ang Alamat Ng Prinsesang Bayawak Rome & Juliet | |
| Ataul: For Rent Confessional | Batanes Blackout Death In The Land Of Encantos Foster Child Kadin Pisay | |
| Ploning | 100 Adela Melancholia | ||
| Sagrada Familia | A Journey Home And I Love You So Bente Biyaheng Lupa Independencia Kinatay Lola | ||
+Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!) (2010) | Rosario Sigwa | ||
| Weak set of nominees | Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank Ang Sayaw Ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa Boundary Busong | ||
El Presidente (2012) | Migrante | Aparisyon Biktima Breakaway Bwakaw Thy Womb | |
| 10,000 Hours Burgos Lauriana Ekstra | Ang Huling Cha cha ni Anita Ang Maestra Ang Misis Ni Meyor Ano Ang Kulay Ng Mga Nakalimutang Pangarap? Barber's Tales Debosyon How To Disappear Completely Lihis Norte, Hangganan Ng Kasaysayan | ||
| Magkakabaung | Ang Kababaihan Ng Malolos Dagitab Dementia Hari Ng Tondo Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon | ||
Felix Manalo (2015) | A very weak year for nominees | Heneral Luna Honor Thy Father | |
Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016) | Ringgo: The Dog Shooter | Ang Babaeng Humayo Area Birdshot Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis Hinulid Ma' Rosa Oro Tuos | |
| Ang Larawan Tu Pug Imatuy (The Right To Kill) | |||
+Gusto Kita With All My Hypothalamus (2018) | Ang Panahon Ng Halimaw Oda Sa Wala | Citizen Jake Liway ML Quezon's Game Rainbow's Sunset Sid & Aya: Not A Love Story Signal Rock Tanabata's Wife | |
| John Denver Trending Kalel, 15 Verdict | Culion Lola Igna Nuuk | ||
| He Who Is Without Sin | ||
| Big Night Kun Maupay Man It Panahon | Historya Ni Ha On The Job: The Missing 8 | ||
