SISA West Coast Premier at NBFF, Oct 21 2026
Hilda Koronel
Hilda Koronel is one of the most iconic actresses in Philippine cinema. Born Susan Reid on January 17, 1957, in Angeles City, Pampanga, she began her film career as a contract artist with Lea Productions in 1969 at the age of 12. At just 13, she won the FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Santiago, becoming the youngest recipient of the honor in an adult category.Koronel became internationally recognized through her celebrated collaborations with National Artist for Film Lino Brocka. She portrayed Ligaya Paraiso in Manila in the Claws of Light (1975) and delivered the title performance in Insiang (1976), two landmark works widely regarded as essential films of Philippine cinema. Her portrayals were distinguished by their emotional restraint, vulnerability, and remarkable dramatic depth.Across more than five decades, Koronel demonstrated her versatility in film and television. Her notable credits include Working Girls, Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita, Tanging Yaman, Crying Ladies, Nasaan Ka Man, and The Mistress. Her performances earned recognition from major Philippine award-giving institutions, including FAMAS, the Film Academy of the Philippines’ Luna Awards, and the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino’s Gawad Urian.In 2024, Koronel received the Natatanging Gawad Urian, honoring her lifetime contribution to Philippine cinema. She later returned to the screen in Jun Robles Lana’s historical thriller Sisa, marking a major cinematic comeback.Alongside her artistic career, Koronel pursued her education and earned a degree in International Studies from Maryknoll College, now Miriam College. Her enduring body of work reflects a rare combination of discipline, intelligence, emotional truth, and artistic excellence.
