Dolly de Leon

Dolly Earnshaw de Leon was born on April 12, 1969, in Manila, Philippines.{{cite news |title=Dolly de Leon - Asia's Most Influential, Philippines |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/dolly-de-leon |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Tatler |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218170548/https://www.tatlerasia.com/people/dolly-de-leon |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Mallorca |first1=Hannah |title=Dolly de Leon earns best supporting actress nomination at 27th Satellite Awards |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/475825/dolly-de-leon-earns-best-supporting-actress-nomination-at-27th-satellite-awards |date=December 9, 2022 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111122612/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/475825/dolly-de-leon-earns-best-supporting-actress-nomination-at-27th-satellite-awards |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Golden Globe Awards: Dolly de Leon |url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/dolly-de-leon |access-date=August 20, 2023 |publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815164309/https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/dolly-de-leon |url-status=live }} She is the youngest child of parents who are native of Ilocos and Visayas.{{cite news |last1=Nepales |first1=Ruben |title=Only in Hollywood: surprise, surprise – Dolly de Leon is the talk of Cannes! |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/only-in-hollywood-dolly-de-leon-talk-of-cannes/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |work=Rappler |date=May 26, 2022 |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209064855/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/only-in-hollywood-dolly-de-leon-talk-of-cannes/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=LSS: Dolly de Leon on her young self: 'I wanted to do things my way, I loved arts.' |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUhwouIT138 |website=LSS: The Martin Nievera Show |publisher=ABS-CBN News Channel |access-date=August 20, 2023 |date=July 21, 2023 |format=Video |via=YouTube |language=Tagalog |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820154504/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUhwouIT138 |url-status=live }}{{Rp|page=1:05}} Her father, Juan de Leon Jr., worked as an engineer.{{cite news |last1=Requintina |first1=Robert |title=Dolly de Leon reveals: 'I'm still paying off loans' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/21/dolly-de-leon-reveals-i-m-still-paying-off-loans |access-date=September 17, 2023 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=May 21, 2023 |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601154915/https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/21/dolly-de-leon-reveals-i-m-still-paying-off-loans |url-status=live}} Her mother, Rosie de Leon, was a homemaker and a professional bowler,{{cite news |last1=Ordoña |first1=Michael |title=How Dolly de Leon rises to the challenge of Triangle of Sadness |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2022-12-05/dolly-de-leon-triangle-of-sadness-ruben-ostlund |access-date=September 17, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 5, 2022 |archive-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917071046/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2022-12-05/dolly-de-leon-triangle-of-sadness-ruben-ostlund |url-status=live }} who earned a gold medal when the Philippines won the team event at the 1983 Southeast Asian Games.{{cite news |last1=Terrado |first1=Reuben |title=Greatest Filipino athletes in SEA Games: Bong Coo wins four golds in '81 |url=https://www.spin.ph/multisport/sea-games/philippines-sea-games-legend-bong-coo-southeast-asian-games-a795-20191101 |access-date=September 17, 2023 |work=Sports Interactive Network |date=November 1, 2019 |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104102155/https://www.spin.ph/multisport/sea-games/philippines-sea-games-legend-bong-coo-southeast-asian-games-a795-20191101 |url-status=live}} Her maternal grandfather, Manuel Earnshaw, was an opera singer who performed at the Manila Metropolitan Theater.{{cite news |last1=Gomez |first1=Jerome |title=Dolly de Leon played nameless bit roles for decades—now her name's got Oscar buzz |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/movies/05/26/22/filipina-actress-dolly-de-leon-is-a-cannes-sensation |access-date=January 4, 2023 |publisher=ABS-CBN News Channel |date=May 26, 2022}} She has an older brother, who is seven years her senior. Growing up, she considered herself an introvert: "I didn't have any playmates. I would talk to myself, my dolls. I would dress up. Typical kid [who's] always living in a fantasy world."{{Rp|page=1:05}} De Leon disliked school and has stated that she disobeyed rules and "wanted to do things [her] way".{{Rp|page=1:40}} Although she struggled academically, De Leon excelled in the performing arts.{{Rp|page=2:10}} She acted in school theater productions and was a member of the drama, dance, and glee clubs.{{cite news |last1=Iglesias |first1=Iza |title=Dolly de Leon: from bit roles to international acclaim |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/manila-times/20230129/282110640743948 |access-date=August 20, 2023 |work=The Manila Times |date=January 29, 2023 |via=PressReader |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820210948/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/manila-times/20230129/282110640743948 |url-status=live }}

De Leon attended the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she majored in theater arts.{{cite news |last1=Berbano Concordia |first1=Sophia |title=From crew to captain, Dolly de Leon is unsinkable |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/433620/from-crew-to-captain-dolly-de-leon-is-unsinkable/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=November 29, 2022 |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820171048/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/433620/from-crew-to-captain-dolly-de-leon-is-unsinkable/ |url-status=live }} Her interest in pursuing a career in acting began when she served as a wardrobe supervisor for the stage productions: "I would watch behind in the wings at the backstage and was so amazed at what they were doing and that's when I really fell in love with theater{{nbsp}}... I want to do stage plays."{{Rp|page=2:31}} De Leon's first acting assignment was in a play written by Floy Quintos and directed by Tony Mabesa, portraying a rural laundrywoman. Despite having brief speaking parts, she described it as "one of [her] best theater experiences".{{Rp|page=2:58}} She considered Mabesa as a mentor who trained her using an "acting-for-dummies style" process, and credits professor Jose Estrella for teaching acting techniques to prepare her for playing roles on film and television. During this period, she appeared in several plays, including Harold Pinter's Old Times and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. Her other roles include the protagonist Portia in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and the dual parts of a nurse and a messenger in the Greek tragedy Medea.{{cite news |last1=Ravindran |first1=Manori |title=Hello, Dolly! Triangle of Sadness star on her breakout role and getting steamy with Harris Dickinson |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/global/triangle-of-sadness-dolly-de-leon-harris-dickinson-cannes-1235276957/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |work=Variety |date=May 25, 2022 |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207105805/https://variety.com/2022/film/global/triangle-of-sadness-dolly-de-leon-harris-dickinson-cannes-1235276957/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Damon |title=Triangle Of Sadness star Dolly de Leon on becoming an overnight success: "I like to think that everyone else has changed except for me" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/triangle-of-sadness-star-dolly-de-leon-1235215971/ |access-date=August 20, 2023 |work=Deadline |date=January 10, 2023 |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820203739/https://deadline.com/2023/01/triangle-of-sadness-star-dolly-de-leon-1235215971/ |url-status=live }}

De Leon made her film debut as a background actor in Peque Gallaga's horror anthology Shake, Rattle & Roll III (1991), a part she later described as one during which she had "the spotlight for a few seconds".{{cite news |last1=dela Cruz |first1=Liezel |title=Dolly de Leon looks back on her past film and TV portrayals |url=https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-videos/dolly-looks-back-on-her-past-film-and-tv-portrayals-20492 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |publisher=ABS-CBNnews.com |date=August 26, 2023 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221052119/https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-videos/dolly-looks-back-on-her-past-film-and-tv-portrayals-20492 |url-status=live }} Although she had not aspired to become a film actor, De Leon was cast in several screen roles but also acted in plays, calling it her "true love". While struggling to establish her acting career, she worked various jobs, including as a mascot performer, waitress, and cashier to make ends meet. Following this lack of success, she considered quitting acting permanently but her daughter persuaded her to persevere with it; motivated by this, she continued to audition.{{cite news |last1=Alcantara |first1=Carissa |title=Dolly de Leon becomes captain of her own ship |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/14/dolly-de-leon-becomes-the-captain-of-her-own-ship |access-date=September 16, 2023 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=March 14, 2023 |archive-date=September 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916191753/https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/14/dolly-de-leon-becomes-the-captain-of-her-own-ship |url-status=live }}

During the next decade, De Leon appeared predominantly in small and uncredited roles, playing characters which she described as "a device to get the story moving or a sounding board for the lead". In a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, she expressed frustration at being typecast into nameless and fleeting parts, though she did not mind this if it led to steady work, remarking, "If I'm going to keep playing the same characters, I might as well have fun with them, not take everything so seriously."{{cite news |last1=Wong Macabasco |first1=Lisa |title=Welcome to Dollywood: meet the scene-stealer of the year's most outrageous film |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/10/awards-insider-dolly-de-leon-triangle-of-sadness-interview |access-date=September 17, 2023 |work=Vanity Fair |date=October 7, 2022 |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604205148/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/10/awards-insider-dolly-de-leon-triangle-of-sadness-interview |url-status=live }} De Leon's career prospects improved when she was cast in Jerrold Tarog's horror thriller Aswang (2011), playing the mother of Paulo Avelino's character.{{cite web |title=Dolly de Leon career retrospect |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmrEmH7jxtc |website=Esquire |access-date=September 17, 2023 |date=January 23, 2023 |via=YouTube |format=Video |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220023112/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmrEmH7jxtc |url-status=live }}{{Rp|page=2:38}} An abridged retelling of Peque Gallaga's 1992 film of the same name,{{cite news |last1=Purnell |first1=Kristofer |title=Lovi Poe launches dream production company |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/08/09/2201438/lovi-poe-launches-dream-production-company |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=August 9, 2022 |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926132423/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/08/09/2201438/lovi-poe-launches-dream-production-company |url-status=live }} it was nominated for Movie of the Year at the 2012 Star Awards for Movies.{{cite news |title=28th Star Awards for Movies nominees revealed |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/33165/28th-star-awards-for-movies-nominees-revealed |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Philippine Entertainment Portal |date=February 27, 2012 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026212840/https://www.pep.ph/news/33165/28th-star-awards-for-movies-nominees-revealed |url-status=live }} She then played supporting roles in the television series Pintada (2011), Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real (2014), Yagit (2014), Mirabella (2014), and Pusong Ligaw (2017).{{cite news |last1=Godinez |first1=Bong |title=Dolly de Leon: from struggling extra to toast of international cinema |url=https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/170611/dolly-de-leon-a755-20230101-lfrm3 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Philippine Entertainment Portal |date=January 1, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218201900/https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/170611/dolly-de-leon-a755-20230101-lfrm3 |url-status=live }}

The coming-of-age drama Billie and Emma (2018), directed by Samantha Lee, saw De Leon portray a stern principal nun of an all-girls Catholic school. The film was screened internationally, including at the Osaka Asian Film Festival,{{cite news |title=Billie and Emma (2018) |url=https://www.oaff.jp/2019/en/program/n02.html |access-date=December 18, 2023 |publisher=Osaka Asian Film Festival |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218200746/https://www.oaff.jp/2019/en/program/n02.html |url-status=live }} Frameline Film Festival,{{cite news |title=Billie and Emma (2018) |url=https://www.frameline.org/films/frameline43/billie-and-emma |access-date=December 18, 2023 |publisher=Frameline Film Festival |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218200746/https://www.frameline.org/films/frameline43/billie-and-emma |url-status=live }} Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival,{{cite news |title=Billie and Emma (2018 |url=https://tlvfest.com/tlv/he/2019/05/12/billie-and-emma/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |publisher=Tel Aviv International LGBT Film Festival |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218200747/https://tlvfest.com/tlv/he/2019/05/12/billie-and-emma/ |url-status=live }} and Inside Out Film and Video Festival.{{cite news |last1=Ritchie |first1=Kevin |title=Billie And Emma wins audience award at Inside Out 2019 |url=https://nowtoronto.com/movies/inside-out-2019-award-winners/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Now |date=June 3, 2019 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218200746/https://nowtoronto.com/movies/inside-out-2019-award-winners/ |url-status=live }} In the last of these, it won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. The critic Ryan Oquiza of The Philippine Star found her performance captured the "needless rigidity and glaring fallibility" of the character.{{cite news |last1=Oquiza |first1=Ryan |title=Dolly de Leon 101: a ranking of her performances in film and TV |url=https://philstarlife.com/geeky/101963-dolly-de-leon-ranking-performances-film-tv?page=5 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=September 8, 2023 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218192934/https://philstarlife.com/geeky/101963-dolly-de-leon-ranking-performances-film-tv?page=5 |url-status=live }}

Lav Diaz's science fiction drama The Halt (2019) featured De Leon as an education minister in a post-apocalyptic Manila, where people are fighting an oppressive regime headed by Joel Lamangan's character.{{cite news |last1=Romney |first1=Jonathan |title=The Halt: Cannes review |url=https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-halt-cannes-review/5139877.article |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Screendaily |date=May 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530202937/https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-halt-cannes-review/5139877.article |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Symchuk |first1=Adam |title=Best Dolly de Leon performances, ranked |url=https://movieweb.com/best-dolly-de-leon-performances-ranked/#nothing-like-paris |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=MovieWeb |date=August 23, 2023 |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920045221/https://movieweb.com/best-dolly-de-leon-performances-ranked/#nothing-like-paris |url-status=live }} The film premiered at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival during the Directors' Fortnight showcase.{{cite news |last1=Lo |first1=Ricky |title=Lav's film in Cannes' Directors' Fortnight |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/04/24/1911947/lavs-film-cannes-directors-fortnight |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=April 24, 2019 |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524193459/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/04/24/1911947/lavs-film-cannes-directors-fortnight |url-status=live }} She next starred in Raymund Ribay Gutierrez's crime drama Verdict (2019). It tells the story of an abused wife (played by Max Eigenmann) seeking justice amid a flawed legal system.{{cite news |last1=Laffly |first1=Tomris |title=Film review: Verdict |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/verdict-review-1203317755/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Variety |date=August 29, 2019 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218222424/https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/verdict-review-1203317755/ |url-status=live }} In the film, De Leon played the abusive husband's mother, who is conflicted in paying for her son's legal fees The film premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival,{{cite news |title=Verdict (2019) |url=https://tiff.net/events/verdict |access-date=December 18, 2023 |publisher=Toronto International Film Festival |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218222424/https://tiff.net/events/verdict |url-status=live }} and was generally well received by critics.{{cite news |title=Verdict (2019) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/verdict_2019 |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Rotten Tomatoes |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230155059/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/verdict_2019 |url-status=live }} It was also screened as part of the Orizzonti section at the 2019 Venice International Film Festival, where it garnered the Special Jury Prize.{{cite news |title=Pinoy film Verdict wins special jury prize at Venice film festival |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/08/19/pinoy-film-verdict-wins-special-jury-prize-at-venice-film-festival |access-date=December 18, 2023 |publisher=ABS-CBNnews.com |date=September 8, 2019 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218223700/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/08/19/pinoy-film-verdict-wins-special-jury-prize-at-venice-film-festival |url-status=live }} The Philippine Star{{'s}} Oquiza thought her portrayal was "visceral and stirring". De Leon won Best Supporting Actress at the FAMAS Awards, and received a nomination at the Luna Awards in the same category.{{cite news |title=Full list: winners, 2020 FAMAS Awards |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/list-winners-famas-digital-awards-2020/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Rappler |date=December 20, 2020 |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112091358/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/list-winners-famas-digital-awards-2020/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Full list: winners, Luna Awards 2020 |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/list-winners-luna-awards-film-academy-philippines-2020/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Rappler |date=December 19, 2020 |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815203838/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/list-winners-luna-awards-film-academy-philippines-2020/ |url-status=live }} Verdict was the Philippine's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.{{cite news |last1=Scott |first1=Matthew |title=Oscars: Philippines selects Verdict for International Feature Film Category |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/2020-oscars-philippines-selects-verdict-international-feature-film-category-1240965/ |access-date=August 19, 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=September 19, 2019 |archive-date=August 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819220445/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/2020-oscars-philippines-selects-verdict-international-feature-film-category-1240965/ |url-status=live }}

In Midnight in a Perfect World (2020), a horror thriller about unexplained disappearances caused by rolling blackouts,{{cite news |last1=Lang |first1=Jaime |title=Dodo Dayao's Philippine thriller Midnight in a Perfect World casts Fantasia's Camera Lucida section in darkness |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/festivals/midnight-in-a-perfect-world-dayao-1235044451/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |work=Variety |date=August 19, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219013338/https://variety.com/2021/film/festivals/midnight-in-a-perfect-world-dayao-1235044451/ |url-status=live }} starring Glaiza de Castro, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Dino Pastrano, and Anthony Falcon,{{cite news |last1=Cruz |first1=Marinel |title=Midnight in a Perfect World wins best picture at horror fest in Italy |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/425426/midnight-in-a-perfect-world-wins-best-picture-at-horror-fest-in-italy |access-date=December 18, 2023 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=October 31, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219013338/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/425426/midnight-in-a-perfect-world-wins-best-picture-at-horror-fest-in-italy |url-status=live }} De Leon played the supporting role of Pastrano's mother, in a performance described by Oquiza as unorthodox and "hard to categorize". The film was screened at the Fantasia International Film Festival. The following year, De Leon starred in an episode of the HBO Asia horror anthology series Folklore, which premiered on December 5, 2021. Directed by Erik Matti, it tells the story of a police officer (De Leon) whose son is a voodoo practitioner.{{cite news |last1=Viernes |first1=Franchesca |title=Erik Matti's "7 Days of Hell" for HBO Asia's Folklore season 2 sheds light on "kulam" in the Philippines |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/812792/erik-matti-s-7-days-of-hell-for-hbo-asia-s-folklore-season-2-sheds-light-on-kulam-in-the-p/story/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |publisher=GMA Network News |date=November 30, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219015245/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/812792/erik-matti-s-7-days-of-hell-for-hbo-asia-s-folklore-season-2-sheds-light-on-kulam-in-the-p/story/ |url-status=live }} She then had a guest role in the six-part HBO Go miniseries On the Job, a television sequel to the 2013 film of the same name.{{cite news |last1=Maisie Cabral |first1=Katrina |title=10 films and series starring critically acclaimed Filipina actress Dolly De Leon |url=https://www.preview.ph/culture/dolly-de-leon-movies-series-a2229-20221201 |access-date=April 17, 2023 |work=Preview |date=December 1, 2022 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417194626/https://www.preview.ph/culture/dolly-de-leon-movies-series-a2229-20221201 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Chua |first1=Paolo |title=Everything we know about HBO's On The Job so far |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/movies-and-tv/on-the-job-tv-series-show-hbo-go-a00297-20210824 |access-date=April 17, 2023 |work=Esquire |date=August 24, 2021 |archive-date=August 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827085323/https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/movies-and-tv/on-the-job-tv-series-show-hbo-go-a00297-20210824 |url-status=live }} De Leon portrayed Inday Arcega, a criminal from an organized syndicate that carries out political executions. That same year, De Leon reunited with Diaz in the period drama History of Ha (2021), in which she played an aging sex worker who meets a disheartened ventriloquist (played by John Lloyd Cruz).{{cite news |last1=Hawson |first1=Fred |title=Movie review: John Lloyd Cruz gives his all in Lav Diaz's Historya ni Ha |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/06/21/review-john-lloyd-gives-his-all-in-historya-ni-ha |access-date=December 18, 2023 |publisher=ABS-CBNnews.com |date=December 6, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219031841/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/12/06/21/review-john-lloyd-gives-his-all-in-historya-ni-ha |url-status=live }} She was drawn to the character's multifaceted persona and was invigorated with the idea of not playing subsidiary roles.{{Rp|page=4:50}} Set in the aftermath of the 1957 airplane crash of then-Philippine president Ramon Magsaysay, the project was filmed in Sibaltan, Palawan. It premiered at the 2021 BFI London Film Festival.{{cite news |last1=Cruz |first1=Marinel |title=Lav Diaz-John Lloyd Cruz movie Historya ni Ha to premiere in London |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/420753/lav-diaz-john-lloyd-cruz-movie-historya-ni-ha-to-premiere-in-london |access-date=December 18, 2023 |date=September 7, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219031841/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/420753/lav-diaz-john-lloyd-cruz-movie-historya-ni-ha-to-premiere-in-london |url-status=live }} Oquiza took note of how well she "blends comic relief with a commanding presence through bluntness and candor", adding that: "Her true brilliance lies in portraying her character's silent vulnerability, facing the reality of aging and lost beauty." According to Fred Hawson of ABS-CBNnews.com, De Leon lent her charm and appeal to the film, and displayed fortitude in her physical performance. She received a Gawad Urian Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the role.{{cite news |last1=Roque |first1=Nika |title=Gawad Urian just released the list of nominees for 2022 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/844668/gawad-urian-just-released-the-list-of-nominees-for-2022/story/ |access-date=December 18, 2023 |publisher=GMA Network News |date=September 13, 2022 |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928140927/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/844668/gawad-urian-just-released-the-list-of-nominees-for-2022/story/ |url-status=live }}

De Leon's international breakthrough came in 2022 when she starred in Ruben Östlund's satirical black comedy Triangle of Sadness.{{cite news |last1=Ang |first1=Raymond |title=Triangle of Sadness Breakout Dolly De Leon is just getting started |url=https://www.gq.com/story/triangle-of-sadness-dolly-de-leon-interview |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=GQ |date=January 13, 2023 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219211310/https://www.gq.com/story/triangle-of-sadness-dolly-de-leon-interview |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Zuckerman |first1=Esther |title=How Triangle of Sadness breakout Dolly De Leon prepared for the role of Abigail |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/dolly-de-leon-interview-triangle-of-sadness-1235276361/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=December 10, 2022 |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203201446/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/dolly-de-leon-interview-triangle-of-sadness-1235276361/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Clayton |title=There will be a Triangle of Sadness if awards aren't given to Ruben Östlund and Dolly De Leon |url=https://variety.com/2022/awards/awards/triangle-of-sadness-oscars-ruben-ostlund-dolly-de-leon-1235275102/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=Variety |date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206211023/https://variety.com/2022/awards/awards/triangle-of-sadness-oscars-ruben-ostlund-dolly-de-leon-1235275102/ |url-status=live }} The film follows a celebrity couple on a luxury cruise with wealthy guests that end up stranded on an island and fighting for survival.{{cite news |last1=Needham |first1=Alex |title=Why Triangle of Sadness should win the best picture Oscar |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/mar/07/why-triangle-of-sadness-should-win-the-best-picture-oscar-ruben-ostlund |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=March 7, 2023 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219235642/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/mar/07/why-triangle-of-sadness-should-win-the-best-picture-oscar-ruben-ostlund |url-status=live }} The part of Abigail, a toilet cleaner who usurps command over the survivors, was written by Östlund with a Filipino in mind.{{cite magazine |last1=Cruz |first1=Clarissa |title=Dolly de Leon's performance in Triangle of Sadness is groundbreaking - here's why |url=https://ew.com/awards/dolly-de-leon-triangle-of-sadness-groundbreaking-essay/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=November 22, 2022 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219211305/https://ew.com/awards/dolly-de-leon-triangle-of-sadness-groundbreaking-essay/ |url-status=live }} The casting director auditioned a number of actors in the Philippines.{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Damon |title=Triangle Of Sadness star Dolly De Leon on becoming an overnight success: "I like to think that everyone else has changed except for me" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/triangle-of-sadness-star-dolly-de-leon-1235215971/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=Deadline |date=January 10, 2023 |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820203739/https://deadline.com/2023/01/triangle-of-sadness-star-dolly-de-leon-1235215971/ |url-status=live }} Impressed by her improvization, Östlund cast De Leon after doing a read-through.{{cite news |last1=Aguilar |first1=Carlos |title=The power player of Triangle of Sadness: Dolly de Leon |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/07/movies/triangle-of-sadness-dolly-de-leon.html |access-date=December 19, 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 7, 2022 |archive-date=December 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217131106/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/07/movies/triangle-of-sadness-dolly-de-leon.html |url-status=live }} De Leon, whose mother is an overseas migrant worker, believed that the role mirrored certain aspects of her life. Drawing from experiences of family members employed within the service industry,{{cite news |last1=Suralta |first1=Bryle B. |title=Dolly De Leon is the captain now |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/dolly-de-leon-interview-january-2023-a2765-20230109-lfrm3 |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=Esquire |date=January 9, 2023 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219230513/https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/dolly-de-leon-interview-january-2023-a2765-20230109-lfrm3 |url-status=live }} she stated, "Quiet and unassuming, my loved ones kept{{nbsp}}... their heads down, absorbing microaggressions under a layer of agreeableness, their smiles protecting their livelihoods." Describing the character as a "quadruple threat"{{emdash}}a middle-aged, Asian, immigrant woman{{emdash}}De Leon collaborated closely with Östlund to create Abigail's origin;{{cite news |last1=Purnell |first1=Kristofer |title=Dolly De Leon gets historic BAFTA nomination for Triangle of Sadness portrayal |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/01/19/2238776/dolly-de-leon-gets-historic-bafta-nomination-triangle-sadness-portrayal |access-date=December 24, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=January 19, 2023 |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227024856/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/01/19/2238776/dolly-de-leon-gets-historic-bafta-nomination-triangle-sadness-portrayal |url-status=live }} and, to get into her mental space, De Leon wrote a first-person narrative to identify with her motivations and how she learned to build a fire and catch fish.{{cite news |last1=Tangcay |first1=Jazz |title=Triangle of Sadness: Dolly De Leon on Filipino representation and how the film changed her life |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/awards/triangle-of-sadness-dolly-de-leon-neon-filipino-representation-awards-circuit-1235396072/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=Variety |date=October 7, 2022 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219235642/https://variety.com/2022/film/awards/triangle-of-sadness-dolly-de-leon-neon-filipino-representation-awards-circuit-1235396072/ |url-status=live }}

File:Dolly de Leon 2023 (cropped).jpg' Honor of Arts in 2023 |alt=An image of a woman wearing a sheer top looking away from the camera]]

Triangle of Sadness premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d'Or.{{cite news |last1=Dargis |first1=Manohla |title=Triangle of Sadness wins Palme d'Or at Cannes. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/28/movies/cannes-palme-dor-winner-triangle-of-sadness.html |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=May 28, 2022 |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128044221/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/28/movies/cannes-palme-dor-winner-triangle-of-sadness.html |url-status=live }} De Leon's performance received critical acclaim; Esther Zuckerman of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that she "balances deft comedy, visceral anger and potent sensuality", and Clayton Davis of Variety praised her "utterly lived-in and commanding" portrayal, describing her as an "acting giant" who delivered the "defining supporting performance of the year". Writing for The Guardian, Ryan Gilbey considered her to be "intensely satisfying" and credited De Leon for playing a "woman who harbors enough experience of injustice and reserves of strength to pounce on power".{{cite news |last1=Gilbey |first1=Ryan |title=Triangle of Sadness{{'}}s Dolly De Leon: 'Women my age are more in touch with our sexuality. We know how to flirt' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/oct/20/triangle-of-sadnesss-dolly-de-leon-women-my-age-are-more-in-touch-with-our-sexuality-we-know-how-to-flirt |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=October 20, 2022 |archive-date=December 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218192935/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/oct/20/triangle-of-sadnesss-dolly-de-leon-women-my-age-are-more-in-touch-with-our-sexuality-we-know-how-to-flirt |url-status=live }} De Leon received significant awards attention for her role in Triangle of Sadness.{{cite news |last1=Ichimura |first1=Anri |title=Ruben Ostlund recalls how Dolly De Leon's performance was his movie's 'Breakthrough' moment |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/movies-and-tv/ruben-ostlund-dolly-de-leon-breakthrough-triangle-of-sadness-a00304-20230303 |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=Esquire |date=March 3, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220022152/https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/movies-and-tv/ruben-ostlund-dolly-de-leon-breakthrough-triangle-of-sadness-a00304-20230303 |url-status=live }} She won the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award and Guldbagge Award for Best Supporting Actress, and received nominations for the Golden Globe Award and BAFTA Award in the same category. She became the first Filipino to be nominated for the last two awards.{{cite news |title=Dolly de Leon falls short of a Golden Globe win |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/dolly-de-leon-falls-short-golden-globe-win/ |access-date=January 3, 2024 |work=Rappler |date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227022655/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/dolly-de-leon-falls-short-golden-globe-win/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Dolly De Leon on BAFTA nomination: 'It's a huge honor for me' |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/dolly-de-leon-honored-bafta-nomination-falls-short-win/ |access-date=January 3, 2024 |work=Rappler |date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226140915/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/dolly-de-leon-honored-bafta-nomination-falls-short-win/ |url-status=live }}

After a brief appearance in the revenge drama series Dirty Linen (2023),{{cite news |last1=Ching |first1=Mark Angelo |title=Dirty Linen changing the landscape of teleseryes |url=https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/172077/dirty-linen-a738-20230316-lfrm?ref=feed_1_section |access-date=April 17, 2023 |work=Philippine Entertainment Portal |date=March 16, 2023 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418001513/https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/172077/dirty-linen-a738-20230316-lfrm?ref=feed_1_section |url-status=live }} De Leon voiced Rosalinda in the adult animated drama The Missing (2023). She played the mother of Carlo Aquino's character who prompts her son to track his uncle's disappearance.{{cite news |last1=Hawson |first1=Fred |title=Cinemalaya review: Iti Mapukpukaw deserves acting awards |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/13/23/cinemalaya-review-iti-mapukpukaw-deserves-acting-awards |access-date=December 19, 2023 |publisher=ABS-CBNnews.com |date=August 13, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220033554/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/08/13/23/cinemalaya-review-iti-mapukpukaw-deserves-acting-awards |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Ang |first1=Walter |title=Dolly de Leon tells more Filipino stories for moviegoers |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/139903/dolly-de-leon-tells-more-filipino-stories-for-moviegoers |access-date=December 19, 2023 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220033554/https://usa.inquirer.net/139903/dolly-de-leon-tells-more-filipino-stories-for-moviegoers |url-status=live }} The film was notable for its use of rotoscoping, a technique in which scenes are first shot in live-action, then traced onto animation cels.{{cite news |last1=Navarra |first1=Ruth L. |title=Carl Joseph E. Papa's Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing) makes history as Cinemalaya's first animated full-length film |url=https://inquirersuper.com.ph/featured/the-missing-is-cinemalayas-first-animated-full-length-film/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=July 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212133510/https://inquirersuper.com.ph/featured/the-missing-is-cinemalayas-first-animated-full-length-film/ |url-status=live }} In his review for Rappler, Oquiza remarked that De Leon "emanates a caring and supportive presence" and highlighted her "understated bravura".{{cite news |last1=Oquiza |first1=Ryan |title=Iti Mapukpukaw review: a staggering achievement in local animation, storytelling |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/iti-mapukpukaw-review-staggering-achievement-local-animation-storytelling/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=Rappler |date=November 24, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220033554/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/iti-mapukpukaw-review-staggering-achievement-local-animation-storytelling/ |url-status=live }} Similar sentiments were echoed by ABS-CBNnews.com's Fred Hawson, who commended her "sweet maternal interaction". She won Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.{{cite news |last1=Purnell |first1=Kristofer |title=Dolly de Leon, Iti Mapukpukaw make history at Cinemalaya 2023 |url=https://www.philstar.com/movies/2023/08/14/2288547/dolly-de-leon-iti-mapukpukaw-make-history-cinemalaya-2023 |access-date=December 19, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=August 14, 2023 |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222072108/https://www.philstar.com/movies/2023/08/14/2288547/dolly-de-leon-iti-mapukpukaw-make-history-cinemalaya-2023 |url-status=live }} The Missing was submitted for consideration at the 96th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.{{cite web|last1=Punzalan|first1=Justine Ruth|url=https://philstarlife.com/geeky/105224-iti-mapukpukaw-philippines-official-entry-oscars-2024|title=Iti Mapukpukaw is PH's official entry to Oscars 2024|work=The Philippine Star|date=September 29, 2023|access-date=September 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929145129/https://philstarlife.com/geeky/105224-iti-mapukpukaw-philippines-official-entry-oscars-2024|archive-date=September 29, 2023|url-status=live}} De Leon served as jury president of the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival.{{cite news |last1=Inocencio |first1=Syrah Vivien |title=Dolly de Leon is jury chairperson of 1st Summer MMFF |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/4/10/Dolly-de-Leon-jury-chairperson-1st-Summer-MMFF.html |access-date=December 24, 2023 |publisher=CNN Philippines |date=April 10, 2023 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417115401/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/4/10/Dolly-de-Leon-jury-chairperson-1st-Summer-MMFF.html |url-status=dead }} The Petersen Vargas-directed black comedy A Very Good Girl, opposite Kathryn Bernardo, was De Leon's next release of the year. Playing the character of a powerful and demanding retail mogul was a departure from De Leon's previous "gritty roles" and an experience she found enjoyable.{{cite news |last1=Shackleton |first1=Liz |title=Kathryn Bernardo & Dolly De Leon talk Filipino dark comedy A Very Good Girl; "Days of women's stories being in the shadows are close to over" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/kathryn-bernado-dolly-de-leon-philippines-very-good-girl-1235565611/ |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=Deadline |date=October 6, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220220440/https://deadline.com/2023/10/kathryn-bernado-dolly-de-leon-philippines-very-good-girl-1235565611/ |url-status=live }} MovieWeb{{'}}s Greg Archer called the film a "quirky and fun ride", and considered De Leon to be "deliciously savage and thoroughly fun to experience".{{cite news |last1=Archer |first1=Greg |title=A Very Good Girl Review: Sass, Camp, and Farce Converge in this twisted revenge comedy |url=https://movieweb.com/a-very-good-girl-review/ |access-date=January 29, 2024 |work=MovieWeb |date=October 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129195400/https://movieweb.com/a-very-good-girl-review/ |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |url-status=live}} A Very Good Girl was a commercial success, earning over {{Philippine peso|100}}{{nbsp}}million (US${{To USD|100|PHL}}{{nbsp}}million), making it one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of 2023.{{cite news |last1=Purnell |first1=Kristofer |title=Kathryn Bernardo's A Very Good Girl does a very good run, surpasses P100M at local box office |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/movies/2023/10/11/2302923/kathryn-bernardos-a-very-good-girl-does-very-good-run-surpasses-p100m-local-box-office |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=October 11, 2023 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221012428/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/movies/2023/10/11/2302923/kathryn-bernardos-a-very-good-girl-does-very-good-run-surpasses-p100m-local-box-office |url-status=live }}

De Leon began 2024 with two releases that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. She executive produced and starred in Ghostlight, a comedy drama directed by Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson.{{cite news |last1=Nepales |first1=Ruben V. |title=Only in Hollywood: Dolly de Leon on her 2 Sundance films, Nine Perfect Strangers, next projects |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/dolly-de-leon-sundance-films-nine-perfect-strangers-next-projects/ |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=Rappler |date=January 24, 2024 |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201182646/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/dolly-de-leon-sundance-films-nine-perfect-strangers-next-projects/ |url-status=live }} Set in Chicago, the film depicts De Leon as a community theater performer who encourages a dejected construction worker (played by Keith Kupferer) to take part in their production of Romeo and Juliet. The critic Adrian Horton of The Guardian noted how much De Leon's character "blazes in every scene, not missing a single ego-deflating punchline",{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Adrian |title=Ghostlight review – charming tale of DIY Shakespeare theater |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/jan/18/ghostlight-review-movie-shakespeare-theater |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=January 19, 2024 |archive-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201182625/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/jan/18/ghostlight-review-movie-shakespeare-theater |url-status=live }} while The Hollywood Reporter{{'}}s Jon Frosch found her portrayal of the "bossy, chain-smoking, F-bomb-dropping actress" to have the "right balance of absurdity and pathos".{{cite news |last1=Frosch |first1=Jon |title=Ghostlight review: A disarming dramedy about grief, theater and finding your people |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/ghostlight-review-1235789775/ |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=January 18, 2024 |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122092911/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/ghostlight-review-1235789775/ |url-status=live }} De Leon received an honoralbe mention in Gold House's Gold List: Film 2025 for Best Performance in a Supporting Role (Rita) for her work in the film Ghostlight.{{cite news |last1= C|first1=Toff |title=Dolly de Leon receives honorable mention in Gold List 2025 for Best Supporting Performance|url= https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/1/12/dolly-de-leon-receives-honorable-mention-in-gold-list-2025-for-best-supporting-performance-1156|accessdate=January 13, 2025 |work= ABS-CBN|date=January 13, 2025}} In Nathan Silver's comedy film Between the Temples, she played an overbearing stepmother to Jason Schwartzman's character, who falls in love with his grade school music teacher.{{cite news |last1=Searles |first1=Jourdain |title=Between the Temples review: Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane make a poignant match in Nathan Silver's offbeat Jewish comedy |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/between-the-temples-review-jason-schwartzman-carol-kane-1235794467/ |access-date=January 25, 2024 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=January 21, 2024 |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121165049/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/between-the-temples-review-jason-schwartzman-carol-kane-1235794467/ |url-status=live }} Critics generally praised the film for its offbeat comedy and were enthusiastic about its plot elements.{{cite web |title=Between The Temples (2024) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/between_the_temples |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122234311/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/between_the_temples |url-status=live }} She next appeared in Paul Feig's action comedy Jackpot! for Amazon Prime Video.{{cite news |last1=Klawans |first1=Justin |title=Barbie{{'}}s John Cena and Simu Liu reunite in new action comedy |url=https://collider.com/john-cena-simu-liu-cast-jackpot/ |access-date=May 5, 2024 |publisher=Collider |date=May 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504033503/https://collider.com/john-cena-simu-liu-cast-jackpot/ |archive-date=May 4, 2024 |url-status=live}} In October of the same year, she began starring in a Filipino production of the Franz Xaver Kroetz wordless solo play Wunschkonzert (or Request Program), retitled Request sa Radyo, at the Samsung Performing Arts Center in Makati.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=June 25, 2024 |title=Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon to star in 'Request sa Radyo' stage play |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/911138/lea-salonga-and-dolly-de-leon-to-star-in-request-sa-radyo-stage-play/story/#goog_rewarded |access-date=September 6, 2024 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}} She alternates the lead role of Ms. Reyes with Filipino actress Lea Salonga.{{Cite news |last=Culwell-Block |first=Logan |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon Will Alternate in Wordless Solo Play About Filipino Working Class |url=https://playbill.com/article/lea-salonga-dolly-de-leon-will-alternate-in-wordless-solo-play-about-filipino-working-class |access-date=June 24, 2024 |work=Playbill}} De Leon will next star, alongside Nicole Kidman, in the second season of the Hulu thriller drama series Nine Perfect Strangers, based on the 2018 novel by Liane Moriarty.{{cite news |title=Dolly de Leon to star in US TV series with Nicole Kidman |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/6/22/Dolly-de-Leon-Nicole-Kidman-Nine-Perfect-Strangers.html |access-date=December 20, 2023 |publisher=CNN Philippines |date=June 22, 2023 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221021342/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2023/6/22/Dolly-de-Leon-Nicole-Kidman-Nine-Perfect-Strangers.html |url-status=dead }} She will also appear in the television series Severino, a biopic on the Filipino priest Juan Severino Mallari.{{Cite news|last=Mallorca|first=Hannah|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/574482/dolly-de-leon-chai-fonacier-meryll-soriano-join-dennis-trillo-in-severino|title=Dolly de Leon, Chai Fonacier, Meryll Soriano join Dennis Trillo in Severino|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=September 2, 2024

|access-date=September 6, 2024}}

De Leon stated in 2023 that she was separated and is a single parent who raised four children. She resides in an apartment with her family, and said that she enjoys domestic routines like reading books, going to beaches, and playing board games.{{cite news |last1=Requintina |first1=Robert |title=Dolly De Leon reveals: 'marami pa akong utang' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/21/dolly-de-leon-reveals-i-m-still-paying-off-loans |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=May 21, 2023 |language=Tagalog |trans-title=Dolly De Leon reveals: 'I have a huge debt' |archive-date=June 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601154915/https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/21/dolly-de-leon-reveals-i-m-still-paying-off-loans |url-status=live }} When discussing her insecurities, she initially considered herself to be socially reticent due to early career struggles but has since gained confidence.{{cite news |last1=Duffell |first1=Rachel |title=Award-winning actress Dolly De Leon on fame, feeding the soul and the beauty of ageing |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/front-female/dolly-de-leon-front-female-awards-2023 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=Tatler |date=December 7, 2023 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221033112/https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/front-female/dolly-de-leon-front-female-awards-2023 |url-status=live }} She has cited the actress Isabelle Huppert as an influence and believes that her eyes alone express emotions. She also admires Meryl Streep's acting versatility.{{cite news |last1=Wise |first1=Damon |title=Triangle of Sadness star Dolly De Leon on becoming an overnight success: "I like to think that everyone else has changed except for me" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/triangle-of-sadness-star-dolly-de-leon-1235215971/ |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=Deadline |date=January 10, 2023 |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820203739/https://deadline.com/2023/01/triangle-of-sadness-star-dolly-de-leon-1235215971/ |url-status=live }} As an actor who made her breakthrough in her 50s, De Leon is an advocate for diversity in roles that older women play on screen, arguing that they should not be typecast to maternal characters.{{cite news |last1=Jusay |first1=Annalyn S. |title=Dolly De Leon says no to typecasting of roles |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/20/dolly-de-leon-says-no-to-typecasting-of-roles |access-date=December 24, 2023 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=April 20, 2023 |archive-date=December 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224182944/https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/20/dolly-de-leon-says-no-to-typecasting-of-roles |url-status=live }}

In 2013, De Leon co-founded Ladies Who Launch, a social services organization which provides outreach to underserved communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group curated soup kitchens in support of efforts to address food insecurity. She also took part in Project Hulmahan, an initiative which auctioned paintings to raise money for community livelihood programs.{{cite news |last1=Alcantara |first1=Carissa |title=Dolly de Leon becomes captain of her own ship |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/14/dolly-de-leon-becomes-the-captain-of-her-own-ship |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=Manila Bulletin |date=March 14, 2023 |archive-date=September 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916191753/https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/14/dolly-de-leon-becomes-the-captain-of-her-own-ship |url-status=live }} In 2023, De Leon taught a master class at the University of the Philippines Diliman's Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts.{{cite news |title=Dolly de Leon to hold workshop for Dulaang UP |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/10/19/23/dolly-de-leon-to-hold-workshop-for-dulaang-up |access-date=December 20, 2023 |publisher=ABS-CBNnews.com |date=October 19, 2023 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221043500/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/10/19/23/dolly-de-leon-to-hold-workshop-for-dulaang-up |url-status=live }}

British Vogue named De Leon one of the 31 most famous stars in the world in 2023.{{cite news |last1=Llemit |first1=Kathleen A. |title=Dolly De Leon in British Vogue's 30 world's most famous stars 2023 Hollywood portfolio |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/01/08/2236175/dolly-de-leon-british-vogues-30-worlds-most-famous-stars-2023-hollywood-portfolio |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=The Philippine Star |date=January 8, 2023 |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116094101/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/01/08/2236175/dolly-de-leon-british-vogues-30-worlds-most-famous-stars-2023-hollywood-portfolio |url-status=live }} That same year, she was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,{{cite news |last1=Olea |first1=Jerry |title=Dolly de Leon feels "empowered" as first Filipino actress to be invited by AMPAS |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/174414/dolly-de-leon-ampas-a4113-20230711 |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=Philippine Entertainment Portal |date=July 11, 2023 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221044941/https://www.pep.ph/news/local/174414/dolly-de-leon-ampas-a4113-20230711 |url-status=live }} and she was honored with the Arts and Culture Award by Tatler Philippines.{{cite news |title=Tatler ball awardees 2023: Maria Ressa, Dolly de Leon, and Kenneth Cobonpue |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/others/2023-tatler-ball-awardees-maria-ressa-dolly-de-leon-kenneth-cobonpue |access-date=December 20, 2023 |work=Tatler |date=November 18, 2023 |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221044956/https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/others/2023-tatler-ball-awardees-maria-ressa-dolly-de-leon-kenneth-cobonpue |url-status=live }}

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Category:Living people

Category:Filipino television actresses

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