From 1977 to 1984, Vilma Santos made 55 films, a very productive seven years, full of commercial success and several critical accolades.
13 Acting trophies - 11 Best Actress, 2 Best Picture (Film Producer)
- 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress – Burlesk Queen
- 1978 Gawad Urian Best Picture – Pagputi ng Uwak Pagitim ng Tagak
- 1978 FAMAS Best Picture – Pagputi ng Uwak Pagitim ng Tagak
- 1981 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress – Karma
- 1981 Cebu City Film Festival Best Actress – Karma
- 1981 FAMAS Best Actress – Pakawalan Mo Ako
- 1982 FAMAS Best Actress – Relasyon
- 1982 Gawad Urian Best Actress – Relasyon
- 1982 FAP Best Actress – Relasyon
- 1982 CMMA Best Actress – Relasyon
- 1982 RPN 9 Lets Talk Movies Best Actress – Body of Work
- 1983 Gawad Urian Best Actress – Broken Marriage
- 1984 Gawad Urian Best Actress – Sister Stella L.
1977
Six films, highlights: Burlesk Queen and Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon signaled her image transformation.
Burlesk Queen - "...an official Entry to the 1978 Festival del film Locarno (Switzerland) ...swept the awards in that year’s MMFF, resulting in a controversy that led to the wholesale return of trophies. In spite of the scandal, “Burlesk” is still regarded by critics as the “quintessential” Filipino film. “Hinamon ni Brocka si Tinio ng suntukan (Lino Brocka dared Rolando Tinio to a fight),” Celso remembers. “Tinio, who was the head of the jury, heralded “Burlesk as the most beautiful Filipino film” past, present and future.” Vi’s turnaround: Adding fuel to the fire, ?Burlesk? had stunned moviegoers because it unveiled a new Vilma Santos?from ingénue to wanton woman. Vilma says of “Burlesk?” – “It marked a transition in my career. Working with Celso Kid is a privilege. He’s a genius.” With good humor, Vilma recalls a “quarrel” on the set of “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak,” which she produced in 1978. “It took so long to finish. I lost money on that. But we’re still friends.” Burlesk and Pagputi brought a lot of honor to me..." (READ MORE)
Burlesk Queen - "...an official Entry to the 1978 Festival del film Locarno (Switzerland) ...swept the awards in that year’s MMFF, resulting in a controversy that led to the wholesale return of trophies. In spite of the scandal, “Burlesk” is still regarded by critics as the “quintessential” Filipino film. “Hinamon ni Brocka si Tinio ng suntukan (Lino Brocka dared Rolando Tinio to a fight),” Celso remembers. “Tinio, who was the head of the jury, heralded “Burlesk as the most beautiful Filipino film” past, present and future.” Vi’s turnaround: Adding fuel to the fire, ?Burlesk? had stunned moviegoers because it unveiled a new Vilma Santos?from ingénue to wanton woman. Vilma says of “Burlesk?” – “It marked a transition in my career. Working with Celso Kid is a privilege. He’s a genius.” With good humor, Vilma recalls a “quarrel” on the set of “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak,” which she produced in 1978. “It took so long to finish. I lost money on that. But we’re still friends.” Burlesk and Pagputi brought a lot of honor to me..." (READ MORE)
Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon - "...Bernal recieved his first Gawad Urian best director award...Anita Linda and Mary Walter played mother and grandmother to Vilma..." (READ MORE)
Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig - "...an entry to the 1981 ASEAN Film Festival in Sydney Australia and Asia-Pacific Film Festival in Taipei Taiwan...the film earned Mat Ranillo III the 1978 FAMAS best supporting actor award..." (READ MORE)
Pulot-gata, Pwede Kaya? - "...Directed by and casted Vi with Romeo Vasquez, Suzanne Gonzalez, Rodolfo Boy Garcia, Tange, Ruel Vernal, Tita De Villa, Paraluman..." (READ MORE)
Susan Kelly, Edad 20 - "...Directed by Maria Saret and casted Vi with Dante Rivero and Anthony Alonzo..." (READ MORE)
Apoy sa Ibabaw Apoy sa Ilalim (cameo role) - "...Produced by VS Films, no information available except that the Vilma Santos’ birthday celebration was added as bonus feature of the film...." (READ MORE)
1978
Fourteen films, highlights: Lino Brocka's Rubia Servios and Celso Castillo's Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak; at least one film per month; films with Nora Aunor, Ikaw ay Akin, Pinagbuklod ng Pag-ibig and Huwag Hamakin Hostess (Vi in came role).
Huwag Hamakin Hostess (cameo role)
Huwag Hamakin Hostess (cameo role)
Mga mata ni Angelita (came role) - "...Julie Vega was only 10 years old when she was launched to full stardom in the 1978 movie, “Mga mata ni Angelita.” ...She appeared in previous movie outings as Darling Postigo. The young Vega was ably supported by an all super star casted headed by the King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe, Jr. (in the role of Conrado, the ex-convict) and Comedy King Dolphy (as Tacio, the taho vendor). Also appearing in cameo roles...Vilma Santos ( as a worried wife)..." (READ MORE)
Amorseko: Kumakabit, Kumakapit - "...Directed by Maria Saret and casted Vi with George Estregan, Ernie Garcia, Rez Cortez, and Beth Bautista..." (READ MORE)
Bakit Kailangan Kita? - "...Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza and casted Vi with Romeo Vasquez, Vilma Santos, Maan Hontiveros, Laurice Guillen, Romeo Enriquiz, Mary Walter...Leah Navarro's “Kailangan Kita” was used as the film's theme song .." (READ MORE)
Kampus - "...Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza and casted Vi with Bembol Roco, Mat Ranillo III, Allan Valenzuela, Liza Lorena, Anita Linda, Lito Lapid..." (READ MORE)
Disco Fever - "...Directed by Al Quinn and casted Vi with Christopher De Leon, Victor Laurel, Rio Locsin..." (READ MORE)
Ikaw ay Akin - "...Nora and Vilma were nominated for their roles in the 1978 Gawad Urian but lost, their leading man Christopher de Leon won the best actor..." (READ MORE)
Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali - "...Directed by Elwood Perez and casted Vi with Christopher De Leon, Baby Delgado, Roel Vergel de Dios..." (READ MORE)
Pag-ibig ko sa iyo lang Ibibigay - "...Directed by Nilo Saez and casted Vi with Romeo Vasquez, Perla Bautista, Romy Diaz...Flippers' “Pag-ibig ko sayo ko lang ibibigay” was used as the film's theme song..." (READ MORE)
Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak - "...Vilma's own VS films won both the 1978 FAMAS and Gawad Urian best picture awards..." (READ MORE)
Pinagbuklod ng Pag-ibig - "...Directed by Leonardo L Garcia and casted Vi with Romeo Vasquez, Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III, Romnick Sarmenta..." (READ MORE)
Promo Girl - "...Directed by Joey Gosiengfiao and casted Vi with Ricky Belmonte, Roel Vergel de Dios, Bembol Rocco, Eddie Gutierrez..." (READ MORE)
Rubia Servios - "...it may not win her the 1978 Metro Manila Film Festival: Best Performer award but Rubia Servios end up as a record breaking earner of the festival..." (READ MORE)
Simula ng Walang Katapusan - "...Directed by Luis Enriquez and casted Vi with Eddie Rodriguez, Carmen Soriano, Lito Anzures, Rio Locsin, Ruben Rustria..." (READ MORE)
1979
Eight films, highlights: movies with film giants: Dolphy in Buhay Artista, Ngayon; Charito Solis in Modelong Tanso.
Buhay Artista, Ngayon - "...Directed by Frank Gray Jr. and casted Vi with Dolphy, Panchito, Babalu, Cachupoy, Bayani Casimiro, Georgie Quizon, Ellen Esguerra, Moody Diaz, Odette Khan, German Moreno, Ike Lozada, Florante, Joe Quirino..." (READ MORE)
Buhay Artista, Ngayon - "...Directed by Frank Gray Jr. and casted Vi with Dolphy, Panchito, Babalu, Cachupoy, Bayani Casimiro, Georgie Quizon, Ellen Esguerra, Moody Diaz, Odette Khan, German Moreno, Ike Lozada, Florante, Joe Quirino..." (READ MORE)
Coed - "...Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza and casted Vi with Jay Ilagan, Celia Rodriguez, Allan Valenzuela, Jun Soler, Angge..." (READ MORE)
Halik sa Kamay, Halik sa Paa - "...Directed by Luis Enriquez and casted Vi with Ronald Corveau, Eddie Rodriguez, Rosemarie Gil, Roderick Paulate, Angie Ferro, Aurora Salve...produced by Vilma Santos' VS Films..." (READ MORE)
Magkaribal - "...Directed by Elwood Perez and casted Vi with Christopher De Leon, Alma Moreno ..." (READ MORE)
Modelong Tanso - "...Directed by Cirio H. Santiago and casted Vi with Charito Solis, Winnie Santos..." (READ MORE)
Pinay, American Style - "...Directed by Elwood Perez and casted Vi with Christopher De Leon, Bembol Roco, Cocoy Laurel, Rosa Mia...Theme Song, “Pinay” performed by Florante..." (READ MORE)
Rock, Baby, Rock - "...Directed by Oscar Miranda and casted Vi with Junior, Rolly Quizon, Leah Navarro, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon..." (READ MORE)
Swing it, Baby - "...Directed by Al Quinn and casted Vi with Romeo Vasquez, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Amy Austria, V.S.T. & Company, Mike Monserrat, Walter Navarro...Theme Songs, “I-swing mo ako” performed by Sharon Cuneta..." (READ MORE)
1980
Nine films, highlights: resurrected her Darna role for the last time; bolder stripper roles in Mrs Jones and Miss X.
Ang Galing-galing Mo, Mrs. Jones - "...Directed by Cirio H. Santiago and casted Vi with Al Tantay, Mark Gil, Vic Salayan, Anita Linda .." (READ MORE)
Ang Galing-galing Mo, Mrs. Jones - "...Directed by Cirio H. Santiago and casted Vi with Al Tantay, Mark Gil, Vic Salayan, Anita Linda .." (READ MORE)
Darna at Ding - "...Directed by J. Erastheo Navoa and Cloyd Robinson and casted Vi with Niño Muhlach, Celia Rodriguez, Marissa Delgado, Veronica Jones, Rez Cortez, Ike Lozada, German Moreno, Al Tantay, Donna Villa..." (READ MORE)
Good Morning, Sunshine - "...Directed by Ishmael Bernal and casted Vi with Junior, Lloyd Samartino, Sheryl Cruz, Debraliz, Anita Linda, Liza Lorena..." (READ MORE)
Gusto Ko Siya, Mahal Kita - "...Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza and casted Vi with Romeo Vasquez, Christopher De Leon, Maila Gumila..." (READ MORE)
Langis at Tubig - "...Directed by Danny Zialcita and featured Vi with Dindo Fernando, Ronaldo Valdez, Amy Austria, Vic Silayan...theme song, “Langis At Tubig” performed by Sharon Cuneta..." (READ MORE)
Miss X - "...Directed by Gil Portes and casted Vi with Mark Gil...theme song, “Dito Ba?” performed by Kuh Ledesma...film shot in the red district of Amsterdam..." (READ MORE)
Romansa - "...Romansa (1980) was the first film of two tha Edu Manzano and Vilma Santos films did together (the other one was Palimos ng Pag-ibig (1986)..." (READ MORE)
Yakapin Mo Ako, Lalaking Matapang - "...Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza and casted Vi with Lito Lapid, Chichay, Angie Ferro, Lucita Soriano, Rez Cortez, German Moreno...theme song performed by Lirio Vital..." (READ MORE)
Candy Vilma Santos in a cameo role.
1981
Four films, highlights: box office hits - Karma and Pakawalan Mo Ako; Karma, an entry to the 1981 Metro Manila Film Festival earned Vilma the festival's best actress award.
Pakawalan Mo Ako - "...Vilma Santos won the 1981 FAMAS Best Actress..." (READ MORE)
Pakawalan Mo Ako - "...Vilma Santos won the 1981 FAMAS Best Actress..." (READ MORE)
Hiwalay - "...Directed by Romy Suzara and casted Vi with Dindo Fernando, Eddie Rodriguez, Celia Rodriguez, Anita Linda ..." (READ MORE)
Ex-Wife - "...Directed by Eddie Rodriguez and casted Vi with Beth Bautista, Raul Aragon, Michael de Mesa, Eddie Garcia, Liz Alindogan, Wendy villarica, Rosemarie Gil..." (READ MORE)
1982
Six films, highlights: Record-breaking hits: Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? and Sinasamba Kita. Earned rave reviews for her performance in Relasyon; last year's Pakawalan Mo Ako earned Vilma her second FAMAS best actress (after Dama De Noche in 1972).
Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? - "...Gaano kadalas ang Minsan grossed 7.3 Million in its few days run in Metro Manila in 1982 out grossing “Sinasamba Kita” for Philippine movies’ all-time box office tally. With inflation and currency rate in consideration that will be around 95 million. But that's not the only exciting thing about these film. It was the only film that Vilma Santos and Hilda Koronel did while atleast when Hilda was still at her peak..." (READ MORE)
Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? - "...Gaano kadalas ang Minsan grossed 7.3 Million in its few days run in Metro Manila in 1982 out grossing “Sinasamba Kita” for Philippine movies’ all-time box office tally. With inflation and currency rate in consideration that will be around 95 million. But that's not the only exciting thing about these film. It was the only film that Vilma Santos and Hilda Koronel did while atleast when Hilda was still at her peak..." (READ MORE)
Haplos - "...Directed by Antonio Jose Perez and casted Vi with Christopher De Leon, Rio Locsin, Delia Razon, Eddie Infante...theme song, “Haplos” performed by Eva Eugenio..." (READ MORE)
Never Ever Say Goodbye - "...Directed by Gil M. Portes and casted Vi with Nonoy Zuniga, Ian Veneracion...theme song, “Never Ever Say Goodbye” performed by Nonoy Zuniga..." (READ MORE)
Relasyon - "...The very first “Grand Slam” for Best Actress in Philippine Entertainment history..." (READ MORE)
Sinasamba Kita - "...They started with 38 theatres, by the weekend (they added more) and became 41 theatres...After 6 days, the film earned P5,207,416.00. After a week’s time, almost P6 million..." (READ MORE)
T-Bird at Ako - "...Directed by Danny Zialcita and casted Vi with Nora Aunor, Dindo Fernando, Tommy Abuel, Anita Linda, Liza Lorena, Rustica Carpio...theme song, “Hiwaga ng Pag-ibig” performed by Nora Aunor..." (READ MORE)
1983
Four films, highlights: box office hits - Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan and Paano Ba Ang Mangarap; received grandslam best actress from previous year's Relasyon (Winning four best actress from FAMAS, Gawad Urian, CMMA and FAP).
Ayaw Kong Maging Kerida - "...Directed by Leonardo L. Garcia and casted Vi with Romeo Vasquez, Carmi Martin, Norma Blancaflor..." (READ MORE)
Ayaw Kong Maging Kerida - "...Directed by Leonardo L. Garcia and casted Vi with Romeo Vasquez, Carmi Martin, Norma Blancaflor..." (READ MORE)
Broken Marriage - "...Vilma Santos won the 1983 Gawad Urian best actress, her second consecutive awards from the local critics..." (READ MORE)
Minsan pa Natin Hagkan Ang Nakaraan - "...Directed by Marilou Diaz Abaya and casted Vi with Christopher De Leon, Eddie Garcia...theme song, “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan” performed by Basil Valdez..." (READ MORE)
Paano Ba ang Mangarap? - "...Directed by Eddie Garcia and casted Vi with Christopher Deleon, Amy Austria, Jay Ilagan, Peral Bautista, Armida Siguion Reyna, Vic Silayan...theme song, “Paano Ba Ang Mangarap?” performed by Basil Valdez..." (READ MORE)
1984
Four films, highlights: films with Brocka, Diaz-Abaya, de Leon in one year; received second consecutive Gawad Urian for last year's Broken Marriage.
Alyas Baby Tsina - "...Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and casted Vi with Phillip Salvador, Dindo Fernando, Cecille Castillo, Chanda Romero, Johnny Delgado, Caridad Sanchez, Maria Isabel Lopez, Dexter Doria, Mary Walter, Vangie Labalan, Harlene Bautista..." (READ MORE)
Sister Stella L. - "...Vilma Santos won the 1984 Gawad Urian:best actress...the Philippines’ entry to 1985 Venice International Film Festival...Sister Stella L. was one of 25 Filipino films shown in New York from July 31 to August 1999, organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center..." (READ MORE)
Adultery - "...Directed by Lino Brocka and casted Vi with Phillip Salvador, Tita De Villa, Alvin Enriquez, Anita Linda, Mario Montenegro, Deborah Sun..." (READ MORE)
Alyas Baby Tsina - "...Directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and casted Vi with Phillip Salvador, Dindo Fernando, Cecille Castillo, Chanda Romero, Johnny Delgado, Caridad Sanchez, Maria Isabel Lopez, Dexter Doria, Mary Walter, Vangie Labalan, Harlene Bautista..." (READ MORE)
Sister Stella L. - "...Vilma Santos won the 1984 Gawad Urian:best actress...the Philippines’ entry to 1985 Venice International Film Festival...Sister Stella L. was one of 25 Filipino films shown in New York from July 31 to August 1999, organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center..." (READ MORE)
11 Acting Nominations
- 1977 FAMAS Best Actress Nomination – Burlesk Queen
- 1977 Gawad Urian Best Actress Nomination – Burlesk Queen
- 1978 FAMAS Best Actress Nomination – Pagputi ng Uwak Pagitim ng Tagak
- 1978 Gawad Urian Best Actress Nomination – Ikaw ay Akin
- 1979 FAMAS Best Actress Nomination – Halik sa Kamay Halik sa Paa
- 1980 FAMAS Best Actress Nomination – Langis at Tubig
- 1983 FAP Best Actress Nomination – Broken Marriage
- 1983 FAMAS Best Actress Nomination – Broken Marriage
- 1984 FAP Best Actress Nomination – Sister Stella L.
- 1984 PMPC – Star for Movies Best Actress Nomination – Alyas Baby Tsina
- 1984 PMPC – Star for Movies Best Actress Nomination – Sister Stella L.