Filipinos representing at the 2026 Actors Awards

By Trisha Matabalan, Philippine Canadian Inquirer

March 3, 2026

(Photo courtesy: sthanlee/Instagram)

LOS ANGELES, California – Filipino pride wasn’t enough to express the joy experienced when Filipino actors Kristin Villanueva, Isa Briones, and Amielynn Abellera from the hit TV series “The Pitt” received awards at the 32nd Annual Actors’ Awards.

The Actors’ Awards, previously known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG Awards), were to recognize notable performances in film and primetime television. Along with the rest of the ensemble cast, Villanueva, Briones, and Abellera (from left to right respectively) were presented with awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

They played roles as medical practitioners in “The Pitt”, a show that revolved around the fifteen-hour work shifts of the staff at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. This series also highlighted the prevalence of Filipino healthcare workers in American healthcare systems, with Villanueva and Abellera playing nurses “Perlah” and “Princess,” and Briones playing the controversial “Dr Trinity Santos.”

In an interview, Briones proudly stated, “I’m the daughter of an immigrant! I’m here and I have my dad with me.”

Briones’ father, Jon Jon Briones, also a performer, highlighted the immense pride of the Filipino people, stating that “It’s wild because everyone in the Philippines right now are crying and their hearts are full and very proud of this little one.”

Both of them left heartwarming messages for the Filipino people and fans of the series, with Isa screaming, “Mabuhay!” and Jonjon saying, “Kamusta na kayo lahat? Nandito kami para sainyo.”