Cover Chai Fonacier
Chai Fonacier
1 / 1
Below is a list of Filipino talents whose prowesses in acting gave a breath of fresh air to stories in international entertainment
We all know that Filipino talent is one-of-a-kind. Though it may be difficult for some of our actors and actresses to get a break on the international stage, these talented artists prove that with hardwork and dedication, it is possible! Check out some of our Filipino talents as they star in international productions that are on their way—or have already become—a hit across the world.
Read more: 7 Films Where Actors Learned New Skills
Truth be told, we couldn't feel more proud!
See also: Actor-Director Marco Viaña on Philippine Theatre's Transformational Power
1. Dolly De Leon in 'Triangle of Sadness'
Exploring the notions of privilege and luxury, Ruben Östlund's 2022 Palme d'Or-winning film Triangle of Sadness sends billionaire guests and their staff to a deserted island where a toilet attendant's wit is the only thing they can rely on. “When we started to make this film I think we had one goal–to really, really try to make an exciting film for the audience and bring thought-provoking content. We wanted to entertain them, we wanted them to ask themselves questions, we wanted them to have something to talk about after they leave a screening,” Östlund said.
In an interview Filipina actress, Dolly de Leon, who portrayed the toilet attendant, expressed her gratitude online. "This is my first ever Festival de Cannes experience and it is one I will never forget. We got the Palme d'Or, the highest prize given to a film and I could not be happier. Our director had his eyes on the prize from the beginning. He is that driven and that determined," she said.
More from Tatler: All the Beautiful Travel Destinations for the Cruise 2023 Fashion Shows
In 2017, Östlund has also bagged the Palme d'Or 2017 for his film The Square which hovers over the daily struggles of a prestigious art curator. De Leon, on the other hand, is known for her roles in Verdict (2019), Aswang (2011) and Pintada (2012). For her role in Triangle of Sadness, De Leon won Best Supporting Actress at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and earned a nomination at the Golden Globes—making her the first Filipina actress to do so.
2. Iñigo Pascual in 'Monarch'
Singer and actor Iñigo Pascual stepped into the shoes of Ace Grayson in the American musical drama Monarch. In an interview with Tatler, Pascual shared how he trained for the role. "I was getting ready for a concert that I was supposed to do in November last year. I was starting to train," he reveals. "I was doing that every day consistently for three months. And so I was like, 'I feel like my training is being put to waste.' But the coach actually told me 'You're not wasting it, you're carrying it on with you.'
"My dream was to really make it out here in the [United] States somehow. I went to the Philippines and I kind of forgot about that dream and worked on my music, and if the opportunity comes one day, then maybe it will happen. But I'm glad that I was able to go through that in the Philippines first. I feel like if I went straight and tried out here in the US, I feel like I wouldn't be as wise," he reveals. "It really did help me prepare, to be equipped, and to have the right mindset with every challenge that I have to face."
Read more: Iñigo Pascual Stars in 'Monarch': Becoming Ace Grayson
3. Chai Fonacier in 'Nocebo'
Cebuana actress-singer Chai Fonacier takes on a mysterious role for the upcoming Irish film Nocebo. In the trailer, audiences see a fashion designer (Eva Green) struggling with a mysterious illness who finds help in a Filipino nanny (Fonacier), who appears on her doorstep.
The two women hit it off, especially as Green's character becomes highly dependent on traditional Filipino folk healing. "I'm not the one who needs control... If the problems are in her head, we'll find them and chase them out," says Fonacier's character. "Allow me in, and you will be free."
In case you missed it: 5 Filipino Traditions: Four-Month Christmas, Competitive Karaoke, Bayanihan, and More
4. Liza Soberano in 'Lisa Frankenstein'
1 / 1
Filipina actress Liza Soberano takes part in Lisa Frankenstein, an upcoming horror comedy with Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse as the movie's lead stars. The film marks her first major Hollywood project since actively pursuing an international career this year.
See also: Girl Next Door Liza Soberano Shares Her Style Inspiration
5. Jo Koy in 'Easter Sunday'
Filipino comedian, Jo Koy, is known for bringing our culture unto the international stage. With quick quips and a funny storyline, his new movie Easter Sunday is a huge win for our representation in Hollywood. Instead of being cast as background characters, he puts the Filipino community front and centre with familiar cultural nuances you're sure to relate with—and perhaps even laugh at.
Read more: Jo Koy on Race, Filipino Pride and Coming Home for Christmas
6. Jonjon Briones in 'Beauty and the Beast'
Above (Photo: @jonjonbriones / Instagram)
(Photo: @jonjonbriones / Instagram)
1 / 1
ABC's new take on Beauty and the Beast has been gaining traction. Everyone's excited to see this new take on a familiar classic. But this production isn't just a win for ABC, it's also a win for the Filipino community as both H.E.R. and Jonjon Briones play significant roles in it. H.E.R. will take on the role of Belle while Briones will act as Maurice.
Read also: 9 Tony and Laurence Olivier Awards Winners and Nominees of Filipino Descent
7. Soliman Cruz in 'To The North'
Veteran actor Soliman Cruz is the leading man in the Romanian film To the North. The story follows Joel (Soliman Cruz), a religious Filipino sailor who discovers Dumitru, a Romanian stowaway hidden between ship containers. If the latter is spotted by the Taiwanese officers running the vessel, he will be thrown overboard and this is why Joel decides to hide him.
Directed by Romanian director Mihai Mincan, the movie is based on a true story that happened in 1996.
NOW READ
Tatler Review: Tanghalang Pilipino's 'Doc Resurreccion: Gagamutin ang Bayan'
Tatler Review: 'I Was the President's Mistress!!' by Miguel Syjuco
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
