Andrea Brillantes Scores International Acting Win in London for Debut Film ‘Laya’

What a remarkable way for Andrea Brillantes to kick off her latest film campaign!

Actress Andrea Brillantes has earned international recognition after winning Best Acting Performance for her portrayal in the upcoming film Laya at the 2026 Women and the World International Film Festival in London.

The third edition of the international film festival ran from November 5 to 12, 2026, in London, United Kingdom. It highlighted stories and discussions surrounding women in conflict zones, peacebuilding, defense, and societal resilience.

During her acceptance speech, Andrea opened up about the experience of attending the festival in London and watching her first film without her family and friends by her side.

“This is my first ever film, and traveling to London without my family and seeing the film for the first time without my friends, it was so hard for me because I didn’t know… I’ve always had this doubt if I was good enough, or am I doing too much?” she said as she received the award.

She also expressed her gratitude to the festival for recognizing her work and emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for emerging talents.

“Thank you so much for recognizing my talent. It means so much to me, and I wish we could all give more spaces like these for people, and for real talent to be recognized. Thank you so, so much.”

Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Laya stars Andrea alongside JC Santos and Anthony Jennings.

Set in a quiet seaside town known for its whale shark encounters, the film follows Sab (Andrea), who arrives on the island seeking revenge against Tuki (JC), a reclusive former convict she holds responsible for her father’s death.

As Sab sets out to confront the man who took her father away, she discovers that he may have changed, challenging her pursuit of revenge. The film was shot entirely in Oslob, Cebu.

The character also resonated deeply with Andrea. During her conversation with METRO at the film’s media launch, the actress opened up about how she relates to Sab, particularly when it comes to the struggle to forgive.

“We’re both struggling to forgive. I’m still working on that. I’m trying to change my mindset and to apply ‘yung mga nalalaman—natututunan ko. Doon po ako nakaka-relate kay Sab and that way I really understand her. Kaya sana nabigyan ko talaga ng justice ‘yung pag-portray ko sa character ko,” she explained.

Lead photo from @wwiff_official and Rein Entertainment