
Demonstrating its continued excellence in global storytelling, leading broadcast company GMA Network secured nine finalist slots at the 2026 New York Festivals (NYF) TV & Film Awards.
The 2026 shortlist represents GMA Public Affairs' biggest haul in recent years, featuring a diverse array of investigative reports, environmental exposés, and human-interest stories that resonate far beyond Philippine shores.
The Network's film division, GMA Pictures, earns a major nod with the critically-acclaimed feature film “Green Bones,” which has been shortlisted in the Films: Feature Films category. Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, in co-production with Brightburn Entertainment, the film is a must-watch masterpiece. It dominated the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) with six major awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Dennis Trillo, and Best Supporting Actor for Ruru Madrid. Directed by Zig Dulay and written by National Artist Ricky Lee and Angeli Atienza, the movie continues to enthrall viewers with its heart-wrenching story of a prisoner and a guard locked in a psychological battle of goodness and redemption.
GMA's flagship news magazine program, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, secures two prestigious spots for its deep-dive reportage. The documentary “Stolen Coastline” is recognized in the Environment & Ecology category for its exploration of the devastating coastal erosion linked to reclamation projects that threaten local livelihoods. The episode, “Unbound,” on the other hand, earns its place in the Health/Medical Information category for its compelling look at mental health challenges through the story of a teenager's road to recovery.
The Atom Araullo Specials also claims two finalist positions, proving its consistency in tackling complex societal and environmental themes. The documentary “Baby Makers” is a finalist in the Social Issues category, providing a harrowing look into the underground world of illegal surrogacy. Additionally, the documentary “Golden Tree” competes in the Environment & Ecology category. This episode investigates the high-stakes illegal trade of Agarwood (Lapnisan), one of the most expensive natural raw materials in the world.
The investigative powerhouse Reporter's Notebook is also shortlisted for its timely, dangerous coverage of “Asia's Scam Cities,” under the Documentary: National Affairs category. This reportage sheds light on the growing crisis of organized crime hubs, exposing the brutal conditions faced by trafficked workers.
The long-running documentary program I-Witness continues its legacy of excellence with two distinct entries. “Embalmer on Wheels” is a finalist in the Community Portraits category, offering a unique look at local life and labor, while “Garbage Drivers” earns a spot in the Heroes category for its portrayal of individuals finding hope and survival in the most challenging conditions.
Rounding out the impressive list of finalists is “Broken Roads, Broken Promises,” which is recognized in the Documentary: Human Concerns category. Hosted by Dingdong Dantes, this compelling documentary exposes the devastating human cost of anomalous infrastructure projects. It serves as a powerful call for accountability, showing how corruption erodes the dignity and safety of the Filipino people.
These nominations reinforce GMA Network's mission to bring vital Filipino stories to the forefront of the world stage. Winners are set to be announced at the New York Festivals Storytellers Gala on May 21, 2026.
For more information on your favorite Kapuso films and documentaries, visit www.gmanetwork.com.