Career Timeline of Nora Aunor: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nora Aunor made an impact.

Nora Aunor, a National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts, is a highly acclaimed Filipino actress, singer, and film producer. Known as the "Superstar" of Philippine cinema, she has starred in numerous films, stage plays, television shows, and concerts. The Hollywood Reporter recognized her as "The Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema" due to her significant contributions to the industry and performances in films like Taklub and Hustisya.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1968: Contracted by Alpha Records

In 1968, Nora Aunor was contracted by Alpha Records upon the recommendation of singer Carmen Soriano, marking the start of her recording career.

1971: "Pearly Shells" Release

In 1971, Nora Aunor released her cover of "Pearly Shells," which became one of the biggest-selling singles in the Philippines, with estimated gross sales of one million units.

1971: Released "Pearly Shells" Cover

In 1971, Nora Aunor's cover of "Pearly Shells" became one of the biggest-selling singles in the Philippines, with estimated sales of one million units.

1973: First FAMAS Best Actress Nomination

In 1973, Nora Aunor received her first nomination for Best Actress at the FAMAS Awards for A Gift of Love, marking the beginning of her long and celebrated history with the awards body.

1980: Metro Manila Film Festival Entries

In 1980, Nora Aunor had two films competing at the Metro Manila Film Festival: Bona and Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo. Aunor was nominated for Best Actress for both films, but Amy Austria won for Brutal.

1981: Bona at Cannes International Film Festival

In 1981, Lino Brocka's film Bona, starring Nora Aunor, was shown at the Cannes International Film Festival as an entry to the Director's Fortnight.

1981: Film Releases and Awards

In 1981, Nora Aunor starred in six films, including romantic comedies and the drama Bakit Bughaw ang Langit? She also produced and starred in Ibalik ang Swerti and Rock N Roll. Aunor received a FAMAS Best Actress nomination, a Gawad Urian nomination, and won Best Actress from the Catholic Mass Media Awards for Bakit Bughaw ang Langit?

September 1982: Premio de le Juri de la Federacion Internationale des Cine Clubs

In September 1982, the film Bona competed at Figueira da Foz International Film Festival in Portugal and won the Premio de le Juri de la Federacion Internationale des Cine Clubs (Jury Prize of the International Federation of Cinema Clubs).

1982: Himala at the Metro Manila Film Festival

In 1982, Himala starring Nora Aunor won Best Picture, Best Actress for Aunor, Best Director for Ishmael Bernal and six other awards in the Metro Manila Film Festival.

1982: Romantic Comedies and Acclaimed Performances

In 1982, Nora Aunor continued making romantic comedy films and starred in three acclaimed films: Mga Uod at Rosas where she played Socorro, T-Bird at Ako where she played a lesbian lawyer, which earned her an 11th FAMAS nomination.

1983: Bronze Hugo Awards at the Chicago Film Festival

In 1983, Himala won Bronze Hugo Awards at the 19th Chicago Film Festival.

1983: Minsan, May Isang Ina film and FAMAS Nomination

In 1983, Nora Aunor starred in Minsan, May Isang Ina with Charito Solis and Maricel Soriano, for which she received her 12th consecutive FAMAS Best Actress nomination.

1983: TOWNS Award

In 1983, Nora Aunor was recognized as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service (TOWNS) in the Field of the Arts.

1984: Awards for Bulaklak sa City Jail

In 1984, Nora Aunor starred in Bulaklak sa City Jail. She won Best Actress awards from the Metro Manila Film Festival, Catholic Mass Media Awards, and FAMAS for her role as Angela Aguilar in Bulaklak sa City Jail. She was also a double nominee at the Gawad Urian and a triple nominee at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

1984: Film Releases and Award Nominations

In 1984, Nora Aunor starred in three highly-acclaimed films: 'Merika, Condemned, and Bulaklak sa City Jail. For her role in 'Merika, she won her first Best Actress trophy from PMPC Star Awards for Movies and an eight Gawad Urian nomination. Condemned received an 'A' rating from the Film Ratings Board.

1985: Film releases

In 1985, Nora Aunor starred in five films: Beloved, Tinik sa Dibdib, Till We Meet Again, Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang, and I Can't Stop Loving You, an entry to the year-end Metro Manila Film Festival, which was a top-grosser for that year.

1986: Film Releases and FAMAS Nomination

In 1986, Nora Aunor starred in I Love You Mama, I Love You Papa with Christopher de Leon and their children, earning her 15th consecutive FAMAS Best Actress nomination. She also appeared in Sana Mahalin Mo Ako, Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak, and Balut...Penoy.

1987: End of 15 Year Nomination Streak

In 1987, Nora Aunor's record of 15 straight years of nominations ended, marking the end of a historical time. From 1973 to 1987, she was always nominated for an award in the FAMAS Awards, a record unmatched by any actress.

October 1, 1989: Last Episode of Superstar

On October 1, 1989, Nora Aunor's longtime musical-variety show Superstar aired its last episode after 22 years.

November 1989: Superstar Briefly Returns to Television

In November 1989, the television program Superstar briefly returned and was produced on Channel 13.

1990: Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? Film and Awards

In 1990, Nora Aunor starred in Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?, winning Best Actress awards from Gawad Urian, Star Awards for Movies, Film Academy of the Philippines, and FAMAS. She also won the Young Critics Circle Award for Best Performance. The film was the official entry to the 1990 Metro Manila Film Festival and won her the Best Actress award.

May 18, 1991: First Major Concert at Araneta Coliseum

On May 18, 1991, Nora Aunor staged her first major concert at the Araneta Coliseum, earning the title "concert queen." The audio recording was later released as her first live album, Handog ni Guy Live.

December 25, 1991: Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. at Metro Manila Film Festival

On December 25, 1991, Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. was part of the 1991 Metro Manila Film Festival. Nora Aunor won numerous awards for her performance, including the Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress and her third consecutive Best Actress trophy from the Film Academy of the Philippines.

1991: Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo Play

In 1991, Nora Aunor performed in the play Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo, staged by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and directed by Socrates Topacio. The stage adaptation was penned by Rody Vera.

1991: Stage Adaptation of Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo

In 1991, Nora Aunor ventured into theater with the stage adaptation of her critically acclaimed film, Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo, staged by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).

1991: FAMAS Hall of Fame Induction

In 1991, after winning her fifth FAMAS Award for Best Actress, Nora Aunor was inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding achievements in Philippine cinema.

1992: DH stage play

In 1992, Nora Aunor performed in the stage play DH, a PETA production that toured North America, Europe, and Hong Kong.

1992: Star Drama Presents NORA and PETA tour

In 1992, Nora Aunor returned to television with Star Drama Presents NORA and won the Best Actress Award from Star Awards for Television. She also toured in North America, Europe, and Hong Kong with PETA's DH play.

1992: DH (Domestic Helper) Play

In 1992, Nora Aunor starred in the play DH (Domestic Helper), produced by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and directed by Socrates Topacio. Ricky Lee wrote the stage play. Both DH and Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo toured in North America, Europe, and Hong Kong.

1994: The Trojan Women Play

In 1994, Nora Aunor performed in The Trojan Women, a Filipino adaptation of Euripides' tragedy. The play was produced by Cecille Guidote-Alvarez's theater company and directed by a Greek national, staged at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife.

1994: Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Academy of the Philippines

In 1994, Nora Aunor received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Academy of the Philippines, becoming the youngest recipient of this special award.

1994: Best Actress Award for Spotlight

In 1994, Nora Aunor won the Best Actress in a Single Performance award from Star Awards for Television for her performance in "Spotlight" for the episode: "Good Morning, Ma'am".

1995: Cairo International Film Festival Award

In 1995, Nora Aunor became the first Filipino actor to win an international acting award in a major Film Festival, receiving the award at the Cairo International Film Festival for her performance in The Flor Contemplacion Story.

1995: Starred in The Flor Contemplacion Story

In 1995, Nora Aunor starred in "The Flor Contemplacion Story," a biographical film about a Filipino domestic worker. Her performance garnered rave reviews and international best actress awards from the Cairo International Film Festival. She also swept all Best-Actress awards from various award-giving bodies in the Philippines.

1995: Starred in Muling Umawit ang Puso

In 1995, Nora Aunor starred in the film "Muling Umawit ang Puso," which was Viva Films' official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. The movie tells the story of a once-famous actress attempting to regain her popularity and won 8 awards at the festival.

1995: Won Best Actress at the Cairo International Film Festival

In 1995, Nora Aunor won the Best Actress award at the 19th Cairo International Film Festival in Africa, marking one of her international achievements.

June 1996: Cast as Sisa in Noli Me Tángere film adaptation

In June 1996, Nora Aunor was cast to play the role of Sisa in Premiere Productions' film adaptation of José Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tángere", although the project did not come to fruition.

Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not)

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1997: Won at the East Asia Film and Television Award

In 1997, Nora Aunor won an award at the 1st East Asia Film and Television Award in Asia, adding to her international accolades.

1997: Won Best Actress for Bakit May Kahapon Pa?

In 1997, Nora Aunor won her second international Best Actress trophy from the 1st East Asia Film and Television Awards and her sixth Urian Best Actress Award for her role in "Bakit May Kahapon Pa?", where she played a psychotic woman seeking revenge.

1997: One of The Best 100 Films in the World

In 1997, the Filipino Film, Bona, was cited as one of "The Best 100 Films in the World" by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, USA.

1999: Centennial Honors for the Arts

In 1999, Nora Aunor received the Centennial Honors for the Arts awarded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), being the only film actress included in the list of awardees.

1999: Starred in Sidhi and received Centennial Honor for the Arts

In 1999, Nora Aunor starred in "Sidhi," written by Rolando Tinio. Later that year, she received the Centennial Honor for the Arts conferred by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

September 23, 2002: Return to television with Bituin

On September 23, 2002, Nora Aunor returned to Philippine television through her nightly drama show entitled, "Bituin", a Filipino soap opera that was aired by ABS-CBN.

May 23, 2003: Final episode of Bituin aired on ABS-CBN

On May 23, 2003, the final episode of "Bituin" aired on ABS-CBN. The show was consistent as one of the top rating shows and was shown in different countries via The Filipino Channel's ABS-CBN international affiliate KPTV.

2003: Held 50th birthday Gold concert at Araneta Coliseum

In 2003, Nora Aunor celebrated her 50th birthday by holding a sell-out "Gold" concert at the Araneta Coliseum.

2004: Won at the Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bruxelles

In 2004, Nora Aunor received an award at the 31st Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bruxelles in Europe, recognizing her acting prowess.

2004: Starred in Naglalayag

In 2004, Nora Aunor starred in "Naglalayag", portraying a judge involved in a May–December affair with a young taxi driver. The film and her performance received international and local recognition.

December 1, 2005: Received Star on the Philippines Walk of Fame

On December 1, 2005, Nora Aunor received her own star on the Philippines Walk of Fame and was one of the first inductees. The project was spearheaded by German Moreno.

2007: Starred in Ingrata and Care Home

In 2007, While in the United States, Nora Aunor starred in two independently produced films namely "Ingrata" and "Care Home". "Care Home" was able to score for Aunor critical praise and even nominations for Best Actress.

2008: Best Asian-Pacific Movie of All Time

In 2008, Himala was awarded Best Asian-Pacific Movie of All Time by the CNN APSA Viewers Choice Award.

February 2010: Shortlisted for Green Globe Film Awards

In February 2010, Nora Aunor was shortlisted as one of the 10 Best Asian Actresses of the Decade by the Green Globe Film Awards, later renamed to Green Planet Movie Awards.

March 23, 2010: Named one of the 10 Best Asian Actresses

On March 23, 2010, Nora Aunor was named one of the 10 Best Asian Actresses by the Green Planet Movie Awards, making her the only Filipino actress to win this award.

May 2010: Last concert due to loss of Golden Voice

In May 2010, during her concert in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Nora Aunor tearfully announced that it would be her last concert as she could no longer sing due to a botched surgery in Japan that resulted in the loss of her "Golden Voice".

December 2010: Comeback to the Philippines reported

As early as December 2010, news of Nora Aunor's comeback to the Philippines was widely reported in the media, though formal confirmations were pending.

2010: Green Planet Movie Award

In 2010, Nora Aunor was hailed by the Green Planet Movie Awards as one of the "10 Asian Best Actresses of the Decade".

August 2, 2011: Return to the Philippines

On August 2, 2011, Nora Aunor returned to the Philippines via Philippine Airlines flight 103.

August 7, 2011: Visited her star on the Philippines Walk of Fame

On August 7, 2011, for the first time since her induction, Nora Aunor visited her star on the Philippines Walk of Fame, even laying down on it as TV cameras documented the event.

2011: Signed contract with TV5 and received Lifetime Achievement Awards

In 2011, upon her return, Nora Aunor signed a three-year contract with TV5, did a mini series, Sa Ngalan ng Ina, and received eight Lifetime Achievement Awards for film and music from different award-giving bodies.

November 2012: Won Best Actress at the 6th Asia Pacific Screen Awards

In November 2012, Nora Aunor won the Best Actress Award at the 6th Asia Pacific Screen Awards for her role in Thy Womb. She also became the first Filipino actor to be inducted as a member of the Asia Pacific Screen Academy.

2012: Starred in Thy Womb

In 2012, Nora Aunor collaborated with Brillante Mendoza for the film "Thy Womb", which was part of the 69th Venice International Film Festival. Aunor played Shaleha, a barren Badjao midwife. She won the Bisato d'Oro from the independent film critics.

2012: Guested in Enchanted Garden and Third Eye

In 2012, Nora Aunor guested in Enchanted Garden a fantasy-drama TV series playing the role of Nana Sela. She also guested in Third Eye.

2012: Starred in El Presidente

In 2012, Nora Aunor starred in the historical film "El Presidente", a biopic about Emilio Aguinaldo, where she played the role of Aguinaldo's second wife, Maria Agoncillo.

2012: Won Best Actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival

In 2012, Nora Aunor won her eighth Best Actress award from the Metro Manila Film Festival.

2012: Sa Ngalan ng Ina aired on TV5

In 2012, Sa Ngalan ng Ina was aired. It was the first project of Aunor after her return and also the last directorial job of Mario O'Hara. Aunor got a nomination from Golden Screen TV Awards and a best actress trophy from 2012 Star Awards for Television for her role in Sa Ngalan ng Ina.

May 21, 2013: Celebrated 60th birthday Nora at 60

On May 21, 2013, Nora Aunor celebrated her 60th birthday dubbed as "Nora at 60" at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall.

June 18, 2013: Won Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress

On June 18, 2013, Nora Aunor won the Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress for the film "Thy Womb", marking her 7th win out of 17 nominations.

August 30, 2013: Won international Best Actress award from Sakhalin International Film Festival

On August 30, 2013, Nora Aunor won her 4th international Best Actress award from the 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival in Russia for the film "Thy Womb".

2013: Ani ng Dangal Award and Light of Culture Award

In 2013, Nora Aunor received the Ani ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. She also received the "Light of Culture Awards from Philippine Centre of the International Theatre Institute and the ITI-Earthsavers UNESCO Dream Center for pioneering in the integration of theater, television, and film.

2013: Won the Asian Film Awards and Asia Pacific Screen Award

In 2013, Nora Aunor received the Asian Film Awards and the Asia Pacific Screen Award.

2013: Returned to TV with Never Say Goodbye and finished Ang Kwento ni Mabuti

In 2013, Nora Aunor returned to TV with her new soap opera, "Never Say Goodbye". She also finished "Ang Kwento ni Mabuti", an official entry to the CineFilipino film Festival, where she spoke Ilocano.

2013: Won International Best Actress awards in 2013

In 2013, Nora Aunor won two international Best Actress awards from the 7th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong and 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival in Russia.

January 2014: Filmed When I Fall in Love

In January 2014, Nora Aunor filmed her second tele-movie/miniseries with TV5 entitled "When I Fall in Love", where she portrays a devoted wife caring for her husband with pancreatic cancer.

January 21, 2014: Honored as one of the People of the Year and to top-bill Trenderas

On January 21, 2014, Nora Aunor was honored as one of the "People of the Year" by People Asia magazine. It was also announced that she would top-bill TV5's musical-drama, "Trenderas", playing the role of a famous singer who mysteriously disappeared.

February 2, 2014: Received Ani ng Dangal Award

On February 2, 2014, Nora Aunor received her second Ani ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines) or NCCA.

February 2014: When I Fall in Love premiere on TV

In February 2014, When I Fall in Love, the movie that Nora Aunor starred in, had its premiere showing on TV.

July 18, 2014: Named recipient of Gawad Plaridel

On July 18, 2014, the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication announced that Nora Aunor is the recipient of Gawad Plaridel for Television, Music and Film for the year 2014.

August 10, 2014: Cinemalaya Best Actress Award

On August 10, 2014, Nora Aunor won her first Best Actress award from the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for her performance in Hustisya. She expressed gratitude and committed to making meaningful films to inspire the youth. Hustisya was also declared the box-office winner during its weeklong run at the festival.

August 27, 2014: Gawad Plaridel Award

On August 27, 2014, Nora Aunor was conferred the Gawad Plaridel by the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication for her excellence in film and television. The Gawad Plaridel is awarded to outstanding media practitioners. During the ceremony, Aunor gave a speech reflecting on her journey as a singer, actress, and film producer.

2014: Gawad Plaridel Award

In 2014, Nora Aunor received the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications' Gawad Plaridel Award.

April 9, 2015: Asia Pacific Excellence Awards

On April 9, 2015, Nora Aunor received the Asian Achiever Award as Asia's Best Actress Awardee during the 26th Asia Pacific Excellence Awards on Araw ng Kagitingan. The event was held at the AFP Theater commemorating the SAF 44 Heroes Tribute and was organized by the Asia Pacific Awards Council together with Japanese performing artist Aisaku Yokogawa.

May 16, 2015: St. Tropez International Film Festival Awards

On May 16, 2015, Nora Aunor won her eighth International Best Actress award for her film Dementia, which also won Best Foreign Language Film at the St. Tropez International Film Festival in France. Director Perci Intalan accepted the award on her behalf.

September 17, 2015: Gawad CCP para sa Sining

On September 17, 2015, Nora Aunor was conferred the Gawad CCP para sa Sining for Film and Broadcast Arts by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The Gawad CCP Para sa Sining is the highest award given by the CCP. In her acceptance speech, Aunor reflected on her career and the choices she made.

September 20, 2015: Iconic Movie Queen Recognition

On September 20, 2015, at the 63rd FAMAS Awards, Nora Aunor, along with other celebrities, was recognized as the Iconic Movie Queen of Philippine Cinema.

2015: ASEAN International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2015, Nora Aunor was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards. Malaysian-born Hollywood actress Michelle Yeoh, who won the same award two years earlier, presented the award to Aunor.

February 13, 2016: Walang Tulugan Final Episode

After the death of German Moreno, Nora Aunor had plans to look after Moreno's late night variety-talk show Walang Tulugan. However, the plan fell through, and the show aired its final episode on February 13, 2016.