# Young Critics Circle

The Young Critics Circle - Film Desk is a society of film critics and an award-giving body for cinema in the Philippines. It was established in 1990 and had its first awarding in 1991.

## Establishment

In 1990, a group of young reviewers and critics decided to form a body that aimed to evaluate works of art in various disciplines (film, theater, music, literature, visual arts and broadcast arts). Founding members include Mike Feria, Joy Barrios, Jojo Buenconsejo, Eric Caruncho, Melissa Contreras, Jaime Daroy, Joel David, Gin de Mesa, Patrick Flores, Francine Medina, Charlson Ong, Mozart Pastrano, Danilo Reyes, and Antonio Tinio. Each member specialized on one or more disciplines or “desks”. At present, only the Film Desk is existing.
The Film Desk of the Young Critics Circle (YCC) first gave its annual citations in film achievement in 1991, a year after the YCC was organized. In their Declaration of Principles, the members expressed the belief that cultural texts always call for active readings, “interactions” in fact among different readers who have the “unique capacities to discern, to interpret, and to reflect… evolving a dynamic discourse in which the text provokes the most imaginative ideas of our time.”
The Film Desk has committed itself to the discussion of film in the various arenas of academe and media, with the hope of fostering an alternative and emergent articulation of film critical practice, even within the severely debilitating culture of "awards".

## Members

The members of the YCC who review Filipino films and choose the winners of the annual YCC Citations are members of the academe coming from various disciplines, such art studies, literary studies, creative writing, anthropology, communication, philosophy, visual arts, Philippine studies, film studies, and history. Active members are:
* Aristotle Atienza
* John Bengan
* Christian Jil Benitez
* Ian Harvey Claros
* Emerald Flaviano
* Patrick Flores
* Tessa Maria Guazon
* Skilty C. Labastilla
* Nonoy L. Lauzon
* Janus Nolasco
* Judith Camille Rosette
* Tito Quiling Jr.
* Jaime Oscar M. Salazar
* Cristian Tablazon
* Andrea Anne Trinidad, president of YCC (2022-2023)

## Awards

YCC draws its selection from both regular and non-regular releases comprising the entirety of annual Philippine cinema output. Films considered for discussion are those that had at least two screenings before a paying or non-paying audience in any public venue. The group first comes up with a long list, where each film on the list is discussed as to its merits and demerits. The list is further narrowed down to a shortlist of any number. Only short-listed films earn the privilege to be nominated for any of the six main categories that are handed out each year. Except for the Best First Feature category, YCC does not confer nominations on artistic or technical merit if the film does not qualify in the short list.
The six awards handed out since 1990 are:
* Best Film
* Best Performance
* Best Screenplay
* Best Achievement in Editing
* Best Achievement in Cinematography and Visual Design
* Best Achievement in Sound and Aural Orchestration.
In 2013, the group added a new category, Best First Feature, to be given to filmmakers who directed the three best debut feature films of the year.

## Winners
### Best Film

The Young Critics Circle Award for Best Film is awarded to honor the best Filipino film of the year. Per YCC criteria, the award for Best Film "refers to vision and direction that pay sensitive and keen attention to both the language of cinema ('presentation') and social reality ('representation'), in the process refunctioning the possibilities of film as progressive art and popular culture. The Best Film citation is awarded to the Director not so much because he or she is the auteur or the central intelligence of the film, but because his or her work lies at the conjuncture which coordinates filmmaking."
Directors with multiple Best Film wins include:
* Jose Javier Reyes (Hindi Kita Malilimutan, 1993; Batang PX, 1997; and Minsan May Isang Puso, 2001)
* Adolfo Alix Jr. (Adela, 2008; Haruo, 2011; and Porno, 2013)
* Chito Roño (Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?, 1998; and Dekada '70, 2002)
* Mario O'Hara (Sisa, 1999; and Babae sa Breakwater, 2003)
* Brillante Mendoza (Masahista, 2005; and Foster Child, 2007)
* Ralston Jover (Bakal Boys, 2009; and Da Dog Show, 2015)
| Year | Winner/s | Director/s |
| 1990 | Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? | Gil Portes |
| 1991 | Sa Kabila ng Lahat | Lino Brocka |
| 1992 | Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal | Carlos Siguion-Reyna |
| 1993 | Hindi Kita Malilimutan | Jose Javier Reyes |
| 1994 | Vampira Pangako ng Kahapon | Joey Romero Joel Lamangan |
| 1995 | Nena | Ike Jarlego Jr. |
| 1996 | Mumbaki | Jose Antonio Perez |
| 1997 | Batang PX | Jose Javier Reyes |
| 1998 | Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa? | Chito Roño |
| 1999 | Sisa | Mario O'Hara |
| 2000 | Bayaning Third World Tanging Yaman | Mike De Leon Laurice Guillen |
| 2001 | Minsan May Isang Puso | Jose Javier Reyes |
| 2002 | Dekada '70 | Chito Roño |
| 2003 | Babae sa Breakwater | Mario O'Hara |
| 2004 | Minsan Pa | Jeffrey Jeturian |
| 2005 | Masahista | Brillante Mendoza |
| 2006 | Inang Yaya | Pablo Biglang-awa and Veronica Velasco |
| 2007 | Foster Child | Brillante Mendoza |
| 2008 | Adela | Adolfo Alix Jr. |
| 2009 | Bakal Boys | Ralston Jover |
| 2010 | Himpapawid | Raymond Red |
| 2011 | Haruo | Adolfo Alix Jr. |
| 2012 | Qiyamah | Gutierrez Mangansakan II |
| 2013 | Porno | Adolfo Alix Jr. |
| 2014 | No winner | |
| 2015 | Da Dog Show | Ralston Jover |
| 2016 | Women of the Weeping River | Sheron Dayoc |
| 2017 | Baconaua | Joseph Israel Laban |
| 2018 | Sa Palad ng Dantaong Kulang | Jewel Maranan |
| 2019 | Edward | Thop Nazareno |
| 2020 | Death of Nintendo Kintsugi | Raya Martin Lawrence Fajardo |

### Best Performance

The YCC award for Best Performance refers to acting, to the playing out of a role or character that implicates emotion, feeling, and experience in the social conditions of the personal and in the political economies of habit and gesture and how these forge the body politic. The Best Performance citation is handed to the Performer, whether male or female, adult or child, in major or supporting role, individual or ensemble.
Since there is only one award given for performance (whether male or female, lead or supporting, individual or ensemble), the YCC Best Performance Award is highly coveted in the Philippine film industry. Since the first awarding in 1991, Nora Aunor has the most nominations with thirteen, and the most wins with five.
Aunor has been nominated for:
* Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990)
* Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. (1991)
* Inay (1993)
* The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995)
* Muling Umawit ang Puso (1995)
* Bakit May Kahapon Pa? (1996)
* Babae (1997)
* Naglalayag (2004)
* Thy Womb (2012)
* Ang Kwento Ni Mabuti (2013)
* Taklub (2015)
* Tuos (2016) (double nomination: single performance / Duo)
She won for Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?, Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M., Inay, The Flor Contemplacion Story, and Thy Womb.
Other multiple winners include:
* Maricel Soriano (Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal, 1992; Vampira, 1994; and Inang Yaya, 2006)
* Aga Muhlach (Joey Boy Munti, 1991; and Hindi Kita Malilimutan)
* Vilma Santos (Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?, 1998; and Dekada '70, 2002)
| Year | Winner/s | Film |
| 1990 | Nora Aunor | Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? |
| 1991 | Nora Aunor Aga Muhlach | Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. Joey Boy Munti |
| 1992 | Maricel Soriano | Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal |
| 1993 | Nora Aunor Aga Muhlach | Inay Hindi Kita Malilimutan |
| 1994 | Maricel Soriano | Vampira |
| 1995 | Nora Aunor | The Flor Contemplacion Story |
| 1996 | Christopher de Leon | Madrasta |
| 1997 | Patrick Garcia | Batang PX |
| 1998 | Vilma Santos | Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa? |
| 1999 | Elizabeth Oropesa | Bulaklak ng Maynila |
| 2000 | Gloria Romero Hilda Koronel Dina Bonnevie Edu Manzano Johnny Delgado Joel Torre Cherry Pie Picache Marvin Agustin Jericho Rosales CJ Ramos Shaina Magdayao John Prats Dominic Ochoa Janet McBride Carol Banawa | Tanging Yaman |
| 2001 | Jaclyn Jose | Minsan May Isang Puso |
| 2002 | Vilma Santos Piolo Pascual | Dekada '70 |
| 2003 | Katherine Luna | Babae sa Breakwater |
| 2004 | Dennis Trillo Jomari Yllana | Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita Minsan Pa |
| 2005 | Coco Martin | Masahista |
| 2006 | Maricel Soriano | Inang Yaya |
| 2007 | Jason Abalos | Endo |
| 2008 | Anita Linda | Adela |
| 2009 | Janice de Belen | Last Viewing |
| 2010 | Carla Abellana Raul Arellano | Shake, Rattle and Roll 12: Punerarya Himpapawid |
| 2011 | Diana Zubiri | Bahay Bata |
| 2012 | Nora Aunor | Thy Womb |
| 2013 | Carlo Aquino Jhong Hilario | Porno Badil |
| 2014 | Eula Valdez and Nonie Buencamino (duo performance) | Dagitab |
| 2015 | Lou Veloso | Da Dog Show |
| 2016 | Laila Ulao | Women of the Weeping River |
| 2017 | Anthony Falcon | Mga Gabing Kasinghaba ng Hair Ko |
| 2018 | Nadine Lustre | Never Not Love You |
| 2019 | Isabel Sandoval | Lingua Franca |
| 2020 | JC Santos Kim Chloe Oquendo, Noel Comia Jr., Jigger Sementilla, and John Vincent Servilla (ensemble) | Kintsugi Death of Nintendo |

### Best Screenplay

Best Screenplay refers to the rhetoric of writing for film that articulates the complexity of social life and personal perturbation through narrative logic or political conviction; or simply through well-thought out dramatic tension that explores contestation between the personal and the political, the individual and the collective, the private and the public. The Best Screenplay award is given to the writer of the film.
Multiple Best Screenplay winners include:
* Jose Javier Reyes (Dinampot Ka Lang sa Putik, 1991; Iisa Pa Lamang, 1992; Hindi Kita Malilimutan, 1993; Batang PX, 1997; and Minsan May Isang Puso 2001)
* Ralston Jover (Foster Child, 2007; Porno, 2013; Da Dog Show, 2015; and Mrs., 2016)
* Lualhati Bautista (Nena, 1995; Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?, 1998; and Dekada '70, 2002)
* Mario O'Hara (Sisa, 1999; and Babae sa Breakwater, 2003)
* Armando Lao (Minsan Pa, 2004; and Biyaheng Lupa, 2009)
* John Bedia (The Chanters, 2017; and Edward, 2019)
| Year | Winner/s | Film |
| 1990 | Ricardo Lee | Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? Hahamakin Lahat |
| 1991 | Roy Iglesias Jose Javier Reyes and Jake Tordesillas | Sa Kabila ng Lahat Dinampot Ka Lang sa Putik |
| 1992 | Raquel Villavicencio Jose Javier Reyes | Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal Iisa Pa Lamang |
| 1993 | Jose Javier Reyes | Hindi Kita Malilimutan |
| 1994 | Jose Dalisay Jr. Emmanuel Borlaza | Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? |
| 1995 | Lualhati Bautista | Nena |
| 1996 | Amado Lacuesta Antonio Jose Perez | Mumbaki |
| 1997 | Jose Javier Reyes | Batang PX |
| 1998 | Lualhati Bautista | Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa? |
| 1999 | Mario O’Hara | Sisa |
| 2000 | Shaira Mella Salvador Raymond Lee Laurice Guillen | Tanging Yaman |
| 2001 | Jose Javier Reyes | Minsan May Isang Puso |
| 2002 | Lualhati Bautista | Dekada '70 |
| 2003 | Mario O’Hara | Babae sa Breakwater |
| 2004 | Armando Lao | Minsan Pa |
| 2005 | Ferdinand Lapuz Brillante Mendoza Boots Agbayani Pastor | Masahista |
| 2006 | Veronica Velasco | Inang Yaya |
| 2007 | Ralston Jover | Foster Child |
| 2008 | Adolfo Alix Jr. Nick Olanka | Adela |
| 2009 | Armando Lao | Biyaheng Lupa |
| 2010 | Raymond Red | Himpapawid |
| 2011 | Rodolfo Vera | Niño |
| 2012 | Arnel Mardoquio | Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin sa Gabing Madilim |
| 2013 | Ralston Jover | Porno |
| 2014 | No winner | |
| 2015 | Ralston Jover | Da Dog Show |
| 2016 | Ralston Jover | Mrs. |
| 2017 | John Bedia Andrian Legaspi | The Chanters |
| 2018 | Gutierrez Mangansakan II | Masla A Papanok |
| 2019 | John Bedia Thop Nazareno Denise O'Hara | Edward |
| 2020 | Jason Paul Laxamana | He Who Is Without Sin |

### Best Achievement in Editing

Best Achievement in Editing refers to the configuration of relationships of time and space among scenes in a film that is able to synthesize, engage in collision, reconcile, or transgress connections through the complex interplay of mise-en-scene and montage. The Best Editing trophy is given to the editor.
Three editors have received the YCC Editing award twice:
* Jesus Navarro (Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal, 1992; and Milagros, 1997)
* Roberto Vasadre (Sana Pag-ibig Na, 1998; and Pila Balde, 1999)
* Vito Cajili (Malikmata, 2003; and Spirit of the Glass, 2004)
| Year | Winner/s | Film |
| 1990 | George Jarlego | Gumapang Ka sa Lusak |
| 1991 | Ike Jarlego Jr. | Kailan Ka Magiging Akin |
| 1992 | Jesus Navarro | Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal |
| 1993 | Jose Almojuela | Aliwan Paradise |
| 1994 | Danny Gloria | Vampira |
| 1995 | Jaime Davila | Dahas |
| 1996 | Ruben Pantoja | Isla |
| 1997 | Jesus Navarro | Milagros |
| 1998 | Roberto Vasadre | Sana Pag-ibig Na |
| 1999 | Roberto Vasadre | Pila Balde |
| 2000 | Armando Jarlego | Bayaning Third World |
| 2001 | Tara Illenberger | Minsan May Isang Puso |
| 2002 | Francis Vinarao | Diskarte |
| 2003 | Vito Cajili | Malikmata |
| 2004 | Manet Dayrit Vito Cajili | Sigaw Spirit of the Glass |
| 2005 | Herbert Navasca | Masahista |
| 2006 | Randy Gabriel | Inang Yaya |
| 2007 | JD Domingo | Endo |
| 2008 | Aleks Castañeda | Adela |
| 2009 | Orlean Tan Ralph Crisostomo Miko Araneta | Engkwentro |
| 2010 | David Hukom Jay Halili Raymond Red | Himpapawid |
| 2011 | Charliebebs Gohetia | Señorita |
| 2012 | Arnel Barbarona Gutierrez Mangansakan II | Qiyamah |
| 2013 | Aleks Castañeda Jerrold Tarog | Porno Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay |
| 2014 | Benjamin Tolentino | Mariquina |
| 2015 | Lawrence Ang | Salvage |
| 2016 | Carlo Francisco Manatad | Women of the Weeping River |
| 2017 | Shireen Seno John Torres | Nervous Translation |
| 2018 | Victoria Chalk | Call Her Ganda |
| 2019 | Diego Marx Dobles | Verdict |
| 2020 | Mai Calapardo | He Who Is Without Sin |

### Best Achievement in Cinematography and Visual Design

Best Achievement in Cinematography and Visual Design refers to the mise-en-scene and its visual/plastic qualities production design, lighting, art direction, visual effects that lend form to whatever representation is projected on screen. The Best Cinematography and Visual Design honor is conferred on the cinematographer and the production designer.
Multiple category winners include:
For Cinematography:
* Jun Pereira (Bakit Kay Tagal ng Sandali?, 1990; and Kailan Ka Magiging Akin?, 1991)
* Rey de Leon (Babae sa Bubungang Lata, 1998; and Babae sa Breakwater, 2003)
* Yam Laranas (Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon, 2002; and Sigaw, 2004)
* Albert Banzon (Adela, 2008; and Kalayaan, 2012)
For Production Design:
* Charlie Arceo (Kailan Ka Magiging Akin?, 1991; and Ikaw Lang, 1993)
* Sammy Aranzamendez (Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon, 2002; and Sigaw, 2004)
* Adolfo Alix Jr. (Adela, 2008; and Kalayaan, 2012)
| Year | Winners | Film |
| 1990 | Jun Pereira (Cinematography) Leo Abaya (Production Design) | Bakit Kay Tagal ng Sandali? |
| 1991 | Jun Pereira (Cinematography) Charlie Arceo (Production Design) | Kailan Ka Magiging Akin? |
| 1992 | Loreto Isleta (Cinematography) Raymond Bajarias (Production Design) | Tag-araw, Tag-ulan |
| 1993 | Jun Dalawis (Cinematography) Charlie Arceo (Production Design) | Ikaw Lang |
| 1994 | Johnny Araojo and Romulo Araojo (Cinematography) Benjie de Guzman (Production Design) | The Fatima Buen Story |
| 1995 | Romeo Vitug (Cinematography) Manny Morfe (Production Design) | The Flor Contemplacion Story |
| 1996 | Isagani Sioson (Cinematography) Lino Dalay and Willy Javier (Production Design) | Isla |
| 1997 | Eduardo Jacinto (Cinematography) Len Santos (Production Design) | Milagros |
| 1998 | Rey de Leon (Cinematography) James Quimson (Production Design) | Babae sa Bubungang Lata |
| 1999 | Shayne Clemente (Cinematography) Ronnie Cruz (Production Design) | Pila Balde |
| 2000 | Ding Achaocoso (Cinematography) Roy Lachica (Production Design) | Bayaning Third World |
| 2001 | Neil Daza (Cinematography) Max Paglinawan and Fernan Santiago (Production Design) | Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure |
| 2002 | Yam Laranas (Cinematography) Sammy Aranzamendez (Production Design) | Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon |
| 2003 | Rey de Leon (Cinematography) Melody Teodoro (Production Design) | Babae sa Breakwater |
| 2004 | Yam Laranas (Cinematography) Sammy Aranzamendez (Production Design) | Sigaw |
| 2005 | Timmy Jimenez and Monchie Redoble (Cinematography) Benjamin Padero (Production Design) | Masahista |
| 2006 | Gary Gardoce (Cinematography) Reji Regalado (Production Design) | Inang Yaya |
| 2007 | Lav Diaz (Cinematography) Lav Diaz and Dante Perez (Production Design) | Death in the Land of Encantos |
| 2008 | Albert Banzon (Cinematography) Adolfo Alix Jr. and Jerome Zamora (Production Design) | Adela |
| 2009 | Ogi Sugatan (Cinematography) Jesus Lozada (Production Design) | Biyaheng Lupa |
| 2010 | Raymond Red (Cinematography) Danny Red (Production Design) | Himpapawid |
| 2011 | Dexter dela Peña (Cinematography) Paul Marquez (Production Design) | Teoriya |
| 2012 | Albert Banzon (Cinematography) Adolfo Alix Jr. (Production Design) | Kalayaan |
| 2013 | Nap Jamir (Cinematography) Edgar Martin Littaua (Production Design) | Lauriana |
| 2014 | Rommel Sales (Cinematography) Whammy Alcazaren & Tessa Tang (Production Design) | Dagitab |
| 2015 | Boy Yniguez, Lee Briones, Abi Lara, Santos Bayucca, Kidlat de Guia, Kawayan de Guia, and Kidlat Tahimik (Cinematography) Kidlat Tahimik (Production Design) | Balikbayan #1 |
| 2016 | Raphael Meting and Mark Limbaga (Cinematography) Joel Geolamen (Production Design) | Baboy Halas |
| 2017 | T.M. Malones (Cinematography) Marielle Hizon (Production Design) | Baconaua |
| 2018 | Jewel Maranan (Cinematography) | Sa Palad ng Dantaong Kulang |
| 2019 | Isaac Banks (Cinematography) Maxwell Nalevansky and Clint Ramos (Production Design) | Lingua Franca |
| 2020 | Ante Cheng (Cinematography) Whammy Alcazaren and Thesa Tang (Production Design) | Death of Nintendo |

### Best Achievement in Sound and Aural Orchestration

Best Achievement in Sound and Aural Orchestration refers to the rendering of the auditory aspects of film music, natural sound, sound effects as these are counterposed against or harmonized with the language of image, and so become meaningful sign systems on their own. The Best Sound citation is awarded to the sound engineer and the musical scorer or music curator.
Multiple category winners include:
For Sound Design:
* Albert Michael Idioma (Curacha: Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga, 1998; Phone Sex, 1999; Sugatang Puso, 2000; Minsan May Isang Puso, 2001; Dekada '70, 2002; Sigaw, 2004; and Porno, 2013)
* Ramon Reyes (Kung Mawawala Ka Pa, 1993; Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko, 1994; Mumbaki, 1996; and Milagros, 1997)
* Arnold Reodica (Sigaw, 2004; and Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa, 2011)
* Mark Locsin (Inang Yaya, 2006; and Endo, 2007)
* Ditoy Aguila (Adela, 2008; and Biyaheng Lupa, 2009)
* Mikko Quizon (Nervous Translation, 2017; and Never Not Love You, 2018)
For Music:
* Jesse Lucas (Phone Sex, 1999; Sugatang Puso, 2000; Minsan May Isang Puso, 2001; Babae sa Breakwater, 2003; and Sigaw, 2004)
* Nonong Buencamino (Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko, 1994; Milagros, 1997; Dekada '70, 2002; and Inang Yaya, 2006)
* Ryan Cayabyab (Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, 1991; and Kung Mawawala Ka Pa, 1993)
* Jaime Fabregas (Mumbaki, 1996; and Curacha: Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga, 1998)
* Jerrold Tarog (Masahista, 2005; and Shake, Rattle and Roll 12: Punerarya, 2010)
| Year | Winners | Film |
| 1990 | No award given | No award given |
| 1991 | Ryan Cayabyab (Original Score) Gaudencio Barredo (Sound Design) | Hihintayin Kita sa Langit |
| 1992 | Vehnee Saturno (Original Score) Vic Macamay (Sound Design) | Hiram na Mukha |
| 1993 | Ryan Cayabyab (Original Score) Ramon Reyes (Sound Design) | Kung Mawawala Ka Pa |
| 1994 | Nonong Buencamino (Original Score) Ramon Reyes (Sound Design) | Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko |
| 1995 | Jessie Lasaten (Original Score) Audio Post (Sound Design) | Dahas |
| 1996 | Jaime Fabregas (Original Score) Ramon Reyes (Sound Design) | Mumbaki |
| 1997 | Nonong Buencamino (Original Score) Ramon Reyes (Sound Design) | Milagros |
| 1998 | Jaime Fabregas (Original Score) Albert Michael Idioma (Sound Design) | Curacha: Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga |
| 1999 | Jesse Lucas (Original Score) Albert Michael Idioma (Sound Design) | Phone Sex |
| 2000 | Lorrie Ilustre (Original Score), Noel Cruz Bruan and Raffy Baladjay Jr. (Sound Design) Jesse Lucas (Original Score) and Albert Michael Idioma (Sound Design) | Bayaning Third World Sugatang Puso |
| 2001 | Nathan Brenholdt and Kormann Roque (Original Score) and Albert Michael Idioma (Sound Design) Jesse Lucas (Original Score) and Albert Michael Idioma (Sound Design) | Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure Minsan May Isang Puso |
| 2002 | Nonong Buencamino (Original Score) Albert Michael Idioma and Alex Tomboc (Sound Design) | Dekada '70 |
| 2003 | Jesse Lucas (Original Score) Ross Diaz (Sound Design) | Babae sa Breakwater |
| 2004 | Jesse Lucas (Original Score) Albert Michael Idioma and Arnold Reodica (Sound Design) | Sigaw |
| 2005 | Jerrold Tarog (Original Score) Nonoy Dadivas and Rudy Gonzales (Sound Design) | Masahista |
| 2006 | Nonong Buencamino (Original Score) Mark Locsin and Angie Reyes (Sound Design) | Inang Yaya |
| 2007 | Owel Alvero (Original Score) Corinne de San Jose and Mark Locsin (Sound Design) | Endo |
| 2008 | Mark Locsin and Jojo Jacinto (Original Score) Ditoy Aguila and Junel Valencia (Sound Design) | Adela |
| 2009 | Gian Gianan (Original Score) Ditoy Aguila (Sound Design) | Biyaheng Lupa |
| 2010 | Jerrold Tarog (Original Score) Lamberto Casas Jr. (Sound Design) | Shake, Rattle and Roll 12: Punerarya |
| 2011 | Christine Muyco and Jema Pamintuan (Original Score) Arnold Reodica (Sound Design) | Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa |
| 2012 | Teresa Barrozo (Original Score) and Ditoy Aguila (Sound Design) Raphael Pulgar (Original Score) and Arnel Barbarona (Sound Design) | Kalayaan Qiyamah |
| 2013 | Ira Trofeo (Sound) Albert Michael Idioma (Sound Design) | Porno |
| 2014 | Jad Montenegro (Original Score) Maki Serapio, Wrap Meting, and Mark Limbaga (Sound Design) | Sonata Maria |
| 2015 | Los Indios de España and Shanto (Original Score) Ed de Guia (Sound Design) | Balikbayan #1 |
| 2016 | Hiroko Nagai (Original Score) Jess Carlos (Sound Design) | Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian |
| 2017 | Itos Ledesma (Original Score) Mikko Quizon (Sound Design) | Nervous Translation |
| 2018 | Len Calvo (Original Score) Jason Conanan, Kat Salinas and Mikko Quizon (Sound Design) | Never Not Love You |
| 2019 | Glenn Barit (Music Curation) Daryl Libongco (Supervising Sound Editing) Nicole Amores, RJ Cantos and Aeriel Ellyzon Mallari (Sound Editing) John Michael Perez (Re-recording Mixing) | Cleaners |
| 2020 | Yudhi Arfani and Zeke Khaseli (Original Score) Andrew Milallos and Alec Rubay (Sound Design) | Death of Nintendo |

### Best First Feature

In 2013, the Young Critics Circle added a new category to their six existing awards as a recognition of the growing number of new filmmakers in the country. The Best First Feature award is given to the three most outstanding debut feature films (narrative, experimental, or documentary) of the year.
| Year | Winners | Film |
| 2013 | Angustia Puti Ang Turkey Man Ay Pabo Rin | Kristian Sendon Cordero Mike Alcazaren Randolph Longjas |
| 2014 | Dagitab Nick and Chai Sonata Maria | Giancarlo Abrahan V Cha Escala and Wena Sanchez Bagane Fiola |
| 2015 | Ari: My Life with a King Dayang Asu Miss Bulalacao | Carlo Enciso Catu Bor Ocampo Ara Chawdhury |
| 2016 | 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten Malinak Ya Labi | Petersen Vargas Jose Abdel Langit |
| 2017 | Kiko Boksingero Si Chedeng at si Apple The Chanters | Thop Nazareno Rae Red and Fatrick Tabada James Robin Mayo |
| 2018 | Mamang Mamu: And a Mother Too Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap | Denise O'Hara Rod Singh Marius Talampas |
| 2019 | Cleaners John Denver Trending Verdict | Glenn Barit Arden Rod Condez Raymund Ribay Gutierrez |
| 2020 | Aswang The Boy Foretold by the Stars Magikland | Alyx Ayn Arumpac Dolly Dulu Christian Acuña |