One of the Philippines' most celebrated performers is set to receive another major honour in Hollywood. Lea Salonga will be presented with the MIFF Icon Award during the Manila International Film Festival's Closing Night Gala on 6 September at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
The recognition comes as the festival returns for its third edition from 3–6 September, with screenings taking place at the TCL Chinese Theatre before culminating in the gala celebration. Festival organisers also shared that Salonga has been nominated for a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and is expected to be inducted later this year in the Live Theater category, becoming the first Filipina to receive the honour.
Best known for originating the role of Kim in Miss Saigon, Salonga has built an acclaimed career spanning theatre, film, television and music. Beyond earning Tony and Olivier Awards, she is beloved worldwide as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. Most recently, she lent her vocals to the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters as Celine and is next set to appear in DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island.
In a statement, MIFF Executive Producer Lisa Lew described Salonga as a trailblazer whose career has inspired generations of Filipino and Asian artists around the world, adding that the festival is proud to celebrate her legacy on Hollywood's global stage.
The Manila International Film Festival was founded to spotlight Philippine cinema internationally and has previously honoured notable names including Boots Anson Roa, Dingdong Dantes, Piolo Pascual, Tia Carrere and Vilma Santos. More details on this year's film lineup, additional honourees and festival programming are expected to be announced in the coming months.
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