Veteran actress Ruby Ruiz added another milestone to her already remarkable Cinemalaya journey after winning the Best Actress award at the 2026 festival for her performance in "Status: Rejected."

Known for her work across film, television, and theater, Ruiz has built a career marked by memorable character roles and performances in critically acclaimed Filipino films.

Her latest win came for her leading performance in "Status: Rejected," which is about 69-year-old widow Virginia “Biring” Divinagracia who gets introduced to the digital world following her fourth visa rejection.

Receiving the award alongside fellow Best Actress winner Marietta “Pokwang” Subong, Ruiz was visibly emotional, initially admitting she had not prepared a speech.

“Status: Accepted,” she said after receiving the award, before congratulating her mother and thanking those who helped make the film possible.

She also reflected on the difference between social media recognition and the kind of validation that comes from cinema.

For Ruiz, recognition from the festival carries particular weight because of the challenges involved in making films and sustaining a career in the industry.

Four Balanghais and counting

Ruiz's latest victory marks her fourth Cinemalaya Balanghai, cementing her place in the festival's history.

In an interview, the actress said she was happy to share the Best Actress award with Pokwang, whom she deemed equally deserving.

“Masayang masaya ako to win another Balanghai at natutuwa din ako naka-tie si Mamang Pokwang,” Ruiz said. “Everybody happy at saka deserving din naman siya. I mean, equally deserving.”

She also credited Cinemalaya for consistently recognizing artists and performances, saying she appreciates the festival's willingness to celebrate its filmmakers and actors.

Asked about making history with four Balanghais, Ruiz hoped the achievement could inspire other performers. “Sana nakaka-inspire to a lot of people,” she said.

For her, every Cinemalaya role deserves the same level of commitment, regardless of its size. “Ako every time mabibigyan ako ng Cinemalaya role, kahit na cameo lang 'yan, I always, you know, I take it seriously,” she explained.

She sees the awards not simply as trophies but as a form of recognition for the work she puts into every project. “Yung pagbibigay ng recognition sa'kin through the Balanghai, siguro yun na lang yung parang pagbibigay reward sa mga pinaghirapan ko,” Ruiz said.

“I really take seriously every small or big role that I'm given by Cinemalaya, any Cinemalaya project.”

Why audiences should watch 'Status: Rejected'

With "Status: Rejected" continuing its Cinemalaya run, Ruiz encouraged audiences who have yet to see the film to catch its remaining screenings. “Sana po makahabol kayo dahil mag-e-enjoy kayo,” she said.

While she acknowledged that the film has a simple story, Ruiz believes audiences may be surprised by how deeply it affects them. “Kahit na napakasimple ng kwento, magugulat kayo bakit merong pag, ano, 'yong alam mo 'yong kagat sa puso,” she said. “Kurot sa puso.”

Aside from Ruby Ruiz’s win, “Status: Rejected” also won the NETPAC Award – Full-Length category.