Philippine cinema’s next chapter is already taking shape, and Will Ashley, Maris Racal, and Jennica Garcia have a place in it.

At the 49th Gawad Urian Awards on October 8, the three actors earned major recognition for performances in Bar Boys: After School and Sunshine. Will took home Best Supporting Actor for his role as Arvin Asuncion in Bar Boys: After School, while Maris won Best Actress and Jennica earned Best Supporting Actress for their work in Sunshine. 

Their wins put a younger set of performers at the center of one of Philippine cinema’s most respected awards ceremonies, alongside Carlo Aquino, Jericho Rosales, and Odette Khan, who shared the top acting honors with their fellow winners.

Maris Racal’s Best Actress win for Sunshine marks her first Gawad Urian victory in the category. She shared the award with veteran actress Odette Khan, recognized for Bar Boys: After School.

Racal’s performance in Sunshine places her among the actors being recognized for work that demands more than familiarity with an audience. It also reinforces the value of giving performers room to take on roles that challenge the image they have built outside the theater.

Jennica Garcia’s Best Supporting Actress win for Antoinette Jadaone’s work gives the film a second acting honor, alongside Maris’ victory. Her recognition is a reminder of the importance of supporting performances in shaping a film’s emotional weight. These roles may not always occupy the center of the plot, but they can determine how its characters and conflicts resonate with audiences.

With both Maris and Jennica recognized for Sunshine, the film’s impact at this year’s awards extends beyond a single performance.

Will Ashley’s Best Supporting Actor win for Bar Boys: After School is another milestone for the young Sparkle artist. Playing Arvin Asuncion in the sequel to the 2017 film, Will earned recognition in a category that included performances from more established actors. In his acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to people who continue to dream, particularly those taking the bar examinations, drawing a parallel between his character’s perseverance and the struggles of those pursuing their own goals. 

The win gives Will another significant credit as he continues to build his acting career. It also shows how a younger performer can hold his own in a film franchise that returns to familiar characters while introducing new developments in their lives.

The 49th Gawad Urian was not solely a celebration of emerging talent. Bloom Where You Are Planted won Best Picture, Best Direction, Best Documentary, and Best Editing, while Quezon collected four awards for its acting, cinematography, production design, and music. 

Their wins show that a new generation is already contributing work worthy of serious critical attention, alongside filmmakers and actors whose careers have helped define the medium. At the Gawad Urian, that future was already onstage and accepting trophies was not a distant possibility.