The Gawad Urian Best Actress, (officially, the ''Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktres''), is a movie award given by the ''Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino'' (Filipino Film Critics) to

lead actress A leading actor, leading actress, or leading man or lady or simply lead (), plays a main role in a film, television show or play. The word ''lead'' may also refer to the largest role in the piece, and ''leading actor'' may refer to a person w ...

es in a Philippine movie.

Winners and nominees

In the lists below, the winner of the award for each year is shown first, followed by the other nominees.

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

Note: Trans actress Mimi Juareza was nominated Best Actor in the 37th Gawad Urian Awards for ''

Quick Change ''Quick Change'' is a 1990 American crime comedy film directed by Howard Franklin and Bill Murray (in their directorial debuts) and written by Franklin. Based on the novel of the same name by Jay Cronley, the film stars Murray, Geena Davis ...

'' (2013).

2020s

Superlatives

*Nora was nominated 5 consecutive times twice in her career. the first one is from 1978–1982 and from 2012–2016.

Multiple awards for Best Actress

;Eight awards *

Vilma Santos Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto (born November 3, 1953) is a Filipino actress and politician. In a career spanning over seven decades, she is recognized for her versatility in acting across various genres of film and television in the Philippine ...

;Seven awards *

Nora Aunor Nora Cabaltera Villamayor (May 21, 1953 – April 16, 2025), known professionally as Nora Aunor (), was a Filipino actress, producer and singer. Known for her leading roles with patriotic, feminist and Political sociology, socio-political th ...

;Three awards *

Gina Alajar Regina Liguid Alatiit (born June 28, 1959), professionally known as Gina Alajar (), is a Filipino film and television actress and director. One of the most awarded actresses in Philippine cinema, she has won the Philippine movie grand slam, r ...

Jaclyn Jose Mary Jane Santa Ana Guck (October 21, 1963 – March 2, 2024 ), known professionally as Jaclyn Jose, was a Filipino actress. Known for her penetrating eyes and antagonistic roles in film and soap operas, she was a recipient of various accolades ...

;Two awards *

Cherry Pie Picache Cherry Pie Sison Picache (born May 27, 1970) is a Filipino actress. Known primarily for her versatile work across independent films, blockbusters and television productions, she has received numerous accolades, including two Durban Internati ...

References

{{Gawad Urian Film awards for lead actress Philippine film awards Awards established in 1976