Dolly de Leon wins Best Supporting Actress at Critics Choice AAPI event

Dolly de Leon. Image: Instagram/@dollyedeleon

Dolly de Leon brought pride again to the Philippines after bagging the Best Supporting Actress plum at the Critics Choice Association’s (CCA) celebration of the AAPI Cinema and Television.

De Leon is among the stars recognized by the CCA for her performance in the film “Ghostlight” at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, California on Tuesday, November 12.

During her acceptance speech, the actress expressed her appreciation for her fellow actors, filmmakers, and creatives who have been an integral part of her journey.

“This is not just for me, this is for all the talented actors, writers, directors, creatives, who have worked tirelessly to bring our stories to life,” she said. “In a world that often tries to box us in, we’re breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and redefining what it means to be seen on the screen, especially for me as a Filipina.”

“To all the AAPI actors and filmmakers, I want to [tell them] to keep dreaming big. Your stories matter and your voices,” she continued.

“Ghostlight,” which premiered in January 2024 at the Sundance Film Festival, stars de Leon, Keith Kupferer, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, and Tara Mallen. De Leon took on the role of Rita, a community actor who witnessed the film’s central character Dan assaulting a motorist.

Other Asian stars recognized at the ceremony were “Squid Game” star Lee Jung-jae (Trailblazer Award), Ronny Chieng (Comedy Award), Samantha Quan (Producer Award), Utkarsh Ambudkar (Actor Award – Series), Ken Leung (Supporting Actor Award – Series), Sue Kim (Documentary Award and #TakeTheLead designation).

Other personalities who received awards were Jimmy O. Yang (Breakthrough Actor Award), Kekoa Scott Kekumano (Rising Star Award), Julia S. Gouw (Industry Leadership Award), Joan Chen (Career Achievement Award), as well as “Moana 2” directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller and producers Christina Chen and Yvett Merino who brought home the Animation Award.

2024 has been a huge year for de Leon as she starred in the films “A Very Good Girl,” “Between the Temples,” and “Jackpot.” She was also one of the alternate leads in the silent play “Request sa Radyo” with Broadway star Lea Salonga which lasted for a limited run.

She is set to appear in the series “Nine Perfect Strangers” and “Severino: The First Serial Killer.”