The Manila International Film Festival will honor Tony Award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga with its Icon Award during the festival’s closing night gala on Sept. 6 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, organizers announced Thursday.
The tribute will be part of the festival’s third annual edition, scheduled Sept. 3 to 6, with film screenings returning to the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Festival organizers said Salonga is also being put forward for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the live theater category. If confirmed later this year, she would become the first Filipina to receive the honor.
“Lea Salonga is a legend whose extraordinary career has broken barriers and inspires generations of Filipino and Asian artists globally,” said Lisa Lew, executive producer of the Manila International Film Festival. “She is the ultimate ambassador for Filipino excellence.”
Salonga, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished performers of Filipino descent, rose to international prominence after originating the role of Kim in “Miss Saigon,” earning Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards. She later became the first Asian actress to play Eponine in “Les Misérables” on Broadway and returned to the musical as Fantine.
Beyond the stage, Salonga is known to global audiences as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” and its sequel. Her contributions earned her recognition as a Disney Legend.
Her film credits span both Philippine and international productions, including “Sana Maulit Muli,” “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal,” “Yellow Rose” and “The Vale.” She also recently contributed vocals to the animated project “KPop Demon Hunters” and is set to appear in DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island,” scheduled for theatrical release on Sept. 25.
Organizers said the Icon Award recognizes Salonga’s decades-long career across theater, film, television and music, as well as her role in elevating Filipino artistry on the global stage.
The Manila International Film Festival, founded in 2024, aims to spotlight Philippine cinema and connect Filipino filmmakers with Hollywood audiences and industry leaders.
“Filipino filmmakers and artists have stories the world needs to see, and MIFF exists to help ensure Hollywood is the room where that happens,” said festival producer Winston Emano.
The festival has grown steadily since its launch, screening more than 20 films and honoring prominent figures in Philippine entertainment, including Vilma Santos, Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Boots Anson Roa and Tia Carrere.
This year’s lineup of films, additional honorees and full programming details are expected to be announced in the coming months.
In addition to her stage and screen work, Salonga has maintained a global music career, releasing multiple albums and performing in concerts worldwide. She has also served as a coach on “The Voice” franchise in the Philippines and performed for world leaders, including multiple U.S. and Philippine presidents, as well as members of the British royal family.
She recently appeared on Broadway in “Old Friends” alongside Bernadette Peters and continues to tour internationally.
Salonga is also a pioneer awardee of The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA), honored in 2011 at Carnegie Hall in New York. In 2020, she was recognized as one of the TOFA100 Most Influential Filipinos in America during the organization’s virtual 10th anniversary gala held amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
