The 7th Eddys (Entertainment Editors' Choice) is celebrating the best in local cinema by honoring actors who played a crucial role in reviving cinema attendance after the pandemic challenges.

The annual film event presents the Box Office Heroes Award to the lead stars of last year's highest-grossing films that successfully attracted audiences back to cinemas, significantly helping the film sector bounce back.

"Each of the films cited in this year's Box Office Hero award has earned more than P100 million at the box office," said SPEEd (Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors) president Salve Asis, entertainment editor of "Pilipino Star Ngayon" and "Pang Masa."

"The figures they produced are more than enough to inspire the industry to continue producing films that are both commercially viable and artistically impactful," Asis added.

Initially announced in February, the Box Office Heroes special award will be given to Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards, Julia Montes, and Kathryn Bernardo.

Alden Richards Piolo Pascual Kathryn Bernardo Dingdong Dantes Marian Rivera Julia Montes

Dantes and Rivera are recognized for their 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry "Rewind." The family drama, which has garnered widespread acclaim and a strong box office performance, is currently the highest-grossing local film of all time, earning P1 billion during its commercial run.

"Rewind" is a co-production between Star Cinema, Agosto Dos Media, and APT Entertainment.

Richards and Montes will receive the accolade for their film "Five Breakups and A Romance." Apart from their characters resonating deeply with audiences, the romantic drama, co-produced by GMA Pictures, Cornerstone Studios, and Myriad Entertainment, earned more than P100 million at the local box office.

Another Eddys Box Office Hero is Bernardo, who captivated the public in her unconventional role in "A Very Good Girl." The dark comedy thriller, produced by Star Cinema, earned a spot among last year's top cinematic achievers, tallying P100 million box office gross. It is the first local film to breach the 100-million mark in terms of box office revenue since the pandemic started.

Pascual will be honored for his role in "Mallari," the 49th MMFF's second box office winner. The horror film by Mentorque Productions earned P225 million commercially.

The Box Office Hero award will be given out during The 7th Eddys Awards Night happening on July 7, 7 p.m., at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

The awards show will be broadcast on a delayed telecast on ALLTV on July 14, 10 p.m.

The Eddys is an annual event that honors filmmakers, actors, writers, directors, workers, and producers in the Philippine film industry. It is organized by SPEEd, a non-profit organization whose members and officers are the entertainment editors of national broadsheets, top tabloids, and leading online portals.