The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) grieves for the demise of veteran actress Anita Linda who passed away at the age of 95 on June 10, 2020.

She was dubbed as the oldest living active actress in Philippine Cinema. Her last work was “Circa” (2019) by Adolfo Alix, Jr., for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the 2019 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. 

At the Gawad Urian, she was the Best Supporting Actress for “Takaw Tukso” (1986) by William Pascual and Best Actress for “Lola” (2009) by Brillante Mendoza. She was a two-time FAMAS Awards Best Supporting Actress winner for “Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa” (1974) by Lino Brocka and “Babae sa Bubungang Lata” (1998) by Mario O’Hara.

Her other accolades were given by the Young Critics Circle, Star Awards for Movies, Maria Clara Awards, Golden Screen Awards, Gawad Tanglaw, and Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. She was recognized as the Best Actress for “Adela” (2008) by Alix at the Cinemanila International Film Festival.

She went on to win three Best Actress awards overseas for “Lola” at the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival in Spain, Asia-Pacific Film Festival held in Taiwan, and Fajr International Film Festival in Iran. She won a Best Supporting Actress award for “Sta. Niña” (2012) by Emmanuel Quindo Palo at the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards in Malaysia.

Linda, whose real name is Alice Buenaflor Lake, also starred in “Tiya Juana” (1943) by Lamberto V. Avellana, “Sisa” (1951) by Gerardo de Leon, “Jaguar” (1979) by Brocka, and “Sister Stella L.” (1984) by Mike de Leon. On television, she was part of the original runs of “Anna Liza” and “Mara Clara” as well as “Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik” and “Tayong Dalawa.” 

“It is heartbreaking to hear about the loss of one of the country’s living treasures. Anita Linda is a legend who helped shape Philippine Cinema through her contributions spanning decades," stated FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño-Seguerra. "Because she was a brilliant and dedicated actor as well as a pillar and mentor for generations of film and television workers, Anita Linda will continue to be an inspiration to all of us. The industry is blessed to have her.”

Linda received the Gawad Urian Lifetime Achievement Award in 1982,  Gawad CCP Para Sa Sining in 1994, and Gawad Lino Brocka Award at the 2009 Golden Screen Awards. In 2019, the FDCP honored Linda with an achievement award at the “Sandaan: Dunong ng Isang Ina” event.