Nora Aunor

Nora Aunor was born on May 21, 1953,{{cite web |url=http://www.femalenetwork.com/celebrities/10-things-we-love-about-nora-aunor |title=10 things we love about Nora |access-date=May 21, 2012 |archive-date=April 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402210227/http://www.femalenetwork.com/celebrities/10-things-we-love-about-nora-aunor |url-status=live }} as Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in Barrio San Francisco, Iriga, Camarines Sur to Antonia Cabaltera and Eustacio Villamayor. She had nine siblings, including Eddie Villamayor, a former actor.{{cite web |url=http://www.nora-icon.com/nora_ccp.html |title=Archived copy |website=www.nora-icon.com |access-date=June 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120152527/http://www.nora-icon.com/nora_ccp.html |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |url-status=usurped}} When Aunor was growing up, her grandmother Theresa taught her to sing; the first song she learned was "The Way of a Clown". Her aunt, Belén Aunor, taught her diction, interpretation, and expression while singing, and gave her screen name.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} Before fame, she had a poverty-stricken childhood, selling peanuts on buses and cold water in front of the Bicol Express Train Station to make ends meet. She became a champion at the Darigold Jamboree radio singing contest, singing her winning piece "You and the Night and the Music". After that, she won in another radio singing contest, The Liberty Big Show. She entered the national singing contest, Tawag ng Tanghalan, was defeated on her first try, but became champion on her second attempt. The Grand National Finals of Tawag ng Tanghalan was on May 29, 1967, where she sang "Moonlight Becomes You".{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMB1KPKKxKc |title=NORA AUNOR SINGS 'MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU' |website=YouTube |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-date=July 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715131509/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMB1KPKKxKc |url-status=live }}

Aunor went to Mabini Memorial College (1959-1960) for first grade, and transferred to Nichols Air Base Elementary School (1960-1962) on reaching second grade. She finished high school at Generosa de Leon Memorial College in Parañaque, an affiliate of Centro Escolar University.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

{{Listen|filename=Nora Aunor - Moonlight Becomes You.ogg|title="Moonlight Becomes You" (1967).}}

After winning Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967,{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/4/19/revisit-nora-aunor-s-first-teleserye-the-kapamilya-musical-drama-bituin-1049 |title=Revisit Nora Aunor's first teleserye—the Kapamilya musical drama “Bituin”|access-date=April 19, 2025}} Aunor made her first appearance as a guest at Timi Yuro's Araneta Coliseum concert. She made her first TV appearance as a guest in An Evening with Pilita{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} hosted by Pilita Corrales and Carmen on Camera hosted by Carmen Soriano.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}

On October 2, 1967, Aunor signed an eight-picture non-exclusive contract with Sampaguita Pictures, with the assurance that she would be given a singing part.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} Aunor made several youth-oriented films like All Over The World{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} and Way Out of the Country.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} From September to December 1967, Aunor had supporting and minor roles in six films. Meanwhile, she made several singles like "Moonlight Becomes You" and "There's Just Forever" for Citation Records, and "No Return, No Exchange" and "You Are My First Love" for Jasper Recording. 1968 was a less busy time; she only had minor roles in three films, mostly for musical numbers.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}

By the beginning of 1969, she appeared in films such as 9 Teeners,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} and Young Girl,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} where she was teamed up for the first time with Tirso Cruz III. That year her contract with Sampaguita Pictures expired and she made films with other studios, including Banda 24 and Drakulita for Barangay, Oh Delilah, Karate Showdown, Pabandying-Bandying and Adriana.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}

Tower Records{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} gave Aunor her first starring role opposite Tirso Cruz III, the D' Musical Teenage Idols{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} by Tower Productions, directed by Artemio Marquez and shown on September 23, 1969. Three days after, on September 26, 1969, Sampaguita Pictures released its 34th-anniversary presentation, Fiesta Extravaganza.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}

Superstar, Aunor's musical variety show, began airing in 1967, and eventually held the record as the longest-running musical variety show on Philippine prime-time TV.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=rm superstarstruck.weebly.com is a fan blog per WP:BLOG}} On December 19, 1969, during the coronation of Aunor as muse of Sampaguita Family Club, Tirso gave her a doll "Maria Leonora Theresa",{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=rm superstarstruck.weebly.com is a fan blog per WP:BLOG}} which reportedly became the most popular doll in Philippine showbiz history.{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2004/05/01/248296/nora-amp-tirso146s-maria-leonora-theresa/|title=Nora & Tirso's Maria Leonora Theresa|work=The Philippine Star|first=Butch|last=Francisco|date=May 1, 2004|access-date=February 16, 2020|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215160533/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2004/05/01/248296/nora-amp-tirso146s-maria-leonora-theresa/amp/|url-status=live}}

File:Nora,Tirso and Maria Leonora Theresa.jpg

Aunor continued to make teeny-bopper films alongside Tirso Cruz III.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} Togther they are known as Guy and Pip from their most successful film, Guy and Pip. The film stayed in the cinemas for six months, and was seen by more than 4 million Filipinos. Guy and Pip{{'s}} ticket gross reached {{Philippine peso|8000000|1971|link=yes}} in 1971.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}

On April 2, 1970, 17-year-old Aunor signed an exclusive contract with Tower Records and was sued by Sampaguita Pictures for Breach of Contract. Aunor eventually graduated from being a teen idol to dramatic actress when she received her first Best Actress award in 1972 for her film And God Smiled at Me from Quezon City Film Festival. She was first nominated as a best actress in FAMAS (Filipino Academy for Movies, Arts and Sciences) for A Gift of Love. From 1972 to 1986 she was nominated for FAMAS Best Actress, the only actor or actress to receive a FAMAS nomination for 15 consecutive years. During this time, she also released several albums.

In 1973, Aunor established her own film production company, "NV Productions"{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} and produced its first film titled Carmela.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} She was again nominated in the 1974 FAMAS Awards for Paru-parung Itim (The Black Butterfly).{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} She made Fe, Esperanza, Caridad (1974) another critically acclaimed film which was directed by three different directors namely Cirio H. Santiago and two National Artists for film; Gerardo de León and Lamberto V. Avellana.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} The film earned Aunor her third nomination at the 1975 FAMAS Awards.

She also produced and starred in the hit film Banaue: Stairway to the Sky (1975){{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} which was directed by national artist Gerardo de Leon. This is a story about the tribe of Ifugao and their struggles to achieve the promised land. Aunor received her fourth FAMAS nomination at the FAMAS Awards. Her co-star Christopher de Leon later became her husband and the father of her only son, Ian Kristoffer De Leon, who also became an actor.{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/192874/nora-aunor-proud-of-son-ian-de-leon-for-helping-accident-victim|title=Nora Aunor proud of son Ian de Leon for helping accident victim|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328191424/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/192874/nora-aunor-proud-of-son-ian-de-leon-for-helping-accident-victim|url-status=live}}

In 1976, Aunor produced the film Alkitrang Dugo (Blood of Tar){{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}}through her own film production company, NV Productions. The film was based on the novel Lord of the Flies by the Nobel Prize-winning English author Sir William Golding.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} She continued to produce and act in films such as the period drama Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Three Years Without God). She played the role of a school teacher named Rosario, who experienced the atrocities of World War II. Her performance a best actress award from the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Gawad Urian Award){{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} and her first Best Actress Award from FAMAS. Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos has since been regarded by critics and audiences as one of the best Filipino films ever made.{{cite web |title=10 essential works from Philippine cinemas |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/filipino-cinema-guide-10-best-films-philippines/ |website=Far Out Magazine UK |date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=May 17, 2023}}{{cite web |title=Mario O'Hara's Three Godless Years: A must-watch |url=https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/45995/ria-limjap-on-mario-oharastatlong-taong-walang-dios-not-just-a-war-movie |website=Spot.ph |publisher=Spot |access-date=May 17, 2023}}

Before the year ended, Aunor starred in the groundbreaking Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo (Once There Was a Firefly) (1976),{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=rm superstarstruck.weebly.com is a fan blog per WP:BLOG}} where she portrayed a would-be migrant to America whose brother is shot by an American soldier on the eve of her departure. Knowing that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos would not allow the public showing of any films criticizing the American presence in the Philippines, the producers tapped Aunor to star in the film believing the superstar had the support of Marcos and his wife, First Lady Imelda Marcos.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} The film from Premiere Productions won two awards at the 1976 Metro Manila Film Festival, and it also won Best Picture, Director (for Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara), Screenplay, Story and Editing at the 1977 FAMAS Awards. For Aunor's performance and the film's message, Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo is now considered as one of the all-time Filipino film classics.{{cite web |title=Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo: film review October 2018 |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2018/10/25/rekindling-the-flame-minsay-isang-gamu-gamo/ |website=Business Mirror |date=October 24, 2018 |access-date=May 18, 2023}}{{cite web |title=10 Pinoy Films: Must Watch |url=https://www.spot.ph/entertainment/movies-music-tv/67150/10-filipino-films-every-cinephile-should-see-a1509-20160726-lfrm |website=Spot.ph |publisher=Spot |access-date=May 18, 2023}}

In 1977, Aunor starred in the romantic-comedy film with Fernando Poe Jr. titled Little Christmas Tree,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} which was shown on November 25, 1977. This was the only collaboration between the two actors, both of whom would eventually become National Artists for Film. On December 25, 1977, her film Bakya Mo, Neneng (Your Wooden Clogs, Neneng){{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} was the official entry of JE Productions to the 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} She was paired with Joseph Estrada, who would later become president of the Philippines.{{cite web |title=Joseph Estrada, Philippine President |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Estrada |website=Britannica |date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=May 14, 2023}}

At the 1978 FAMAS Awards, Aunor received her sixth nomination for her movie Bakya Mo Neneng, and also won the FAMAS Award for Best Picture. She also appeared in Ikaw Ay Akin (You are Mine), with Vilma Santos and Christopher de León, and directed by Ishmael Bernal.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citations removed per WP:IMDB and WP:BLOGGER}} This film gave Aunor her second nomination as best actress from Gawad Urian.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}}

Later that year, her film Atsay (Maid){{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} was an official entry to the 1978 Metro Manila Film Festival. It was one of the two best entries of the film festival along with Rubia Servios directed by Lino Brocka. Atsay was the only film to have won Best Performer in the Metro Manila Film Festival history. That year, the organizers decided to give just one citation for performers — no best actor nor actress nor supporting actor nor actress award — only the Best Performer Award.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}}

Aunor won the Best Performer award for Atsay. Amy Austria who played a supporting role in this film was a nominee for the Best Performer award. The film festival organizers wanted to adopt a sense of gender sensitivity by giving out a gender-neutral award. The award was scrapped the following year. Atsay also won the Best Picture Award, Romeo Vitug for Best Cinematography and Eddie Garcia for Best Director.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} Aunor was nominated for the seventh time at the [1979 FAMAS Awards]].

Before the end of the decade, she made two more films which were big hits at the 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} and Ina Ka ng Anak Mo. Both lead actresses, Aunor and Lolita Rodriguez, were recognized as Best Actresses for Ina Ka ng Anak Mo. The same film won Best Director for Brocka, Best Actor for Raoul Aragon and Best Picture. Aunor was also nominated for Urian Best Actress and won at the 1980 FAMAS Awards for her role. This was Aunor's second FAMAS Best Actress Award.

{{Listen|filename=Moon River by Nora Aunor.ogg|title="Moon River" (1985)|description=Aunor's live rendition of the Academy Award-winning song}}

In the 1980s Aunor's first film was Nakaw Na Pag-ibig (Stolen Love),{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} another collaboration of Aunor and the National Artist for film Lino Brocka together with Hilda Koronel and Phillip Salvador, both of whom were Brocka protégés.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} That same year, Aunor made a film with Mario O'Hara after so many years. They made Kastilyong Buhangin (Sandcastle){{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} with Lito Lapid as her screen leading man. Before 1980 ended, two of Aunor's films were part of the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival as official entries. In Kung Akoy Iiwan Mo,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} directed by Laurice Guillen, she played the role of Beatrice Alcala, a singing superstar, and how she showed her complex emotion through singing. The film won Best Sound Engineering and Best Cinematography.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}

Her other entry in the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival was Bona, a film by Lino Brocka.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} During the festival, there were three nominees for Best Actress: Aunor for Bona, Aunor for Kung Akoý Iiwan Mo (If You Leave Me), and eventual winner Amy Austria for Brutal. Aunor won her second Gawad Urian Best Actress for Bona, tying with Gina Alajar, who won for Brutal; Aunor

won her ninth Best Actress nomination from the 1981 FAMAS Awards for the same film. The film was also shown at the 1981 Cannes International Film Festival as an entry to the Director's Fortnight. In September 1982, the film 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). It was the only Filipino Film cited as one of "The Best 100 Films in the World" by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, USA (1997). It is the only Filipino film to be archived at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.{{cite web |url=http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=07340 |title=The Collection |access-date=March 18, 2013 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222205949/http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=07340 |url-status=live }} In 2012, Bona was adapted to the stage by Philippine Educational Theater Association with actress Eugene Domingo in the title role.{{cite web |title='Bona' is the Eugene Domingo show |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/08/24/12/review-bona-eugene-domingo-show |website=ABS CBN News |publisher=ABS CBN |access-date=May 22, 2023}}

In 1981, Aunor made six films, most of which are romantic comedies such as Totoo Ba ang Tsismis (Are the Rumors True){{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} and Dalaga si Mister, Binata si Misis.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} She produced and starred in two hit films: Ibalik ang Swerti{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} with the Reycard Duet, and Rock N Roll,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} which was the official entry to the 1981 Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} Aunor made one film that year, Bakit Bughaw ang Langit? (Why is the Sky Blue?).{{cite web |url=http://www.criticine.com/review_article.php?id=6 |title=Noel Vera reviews Mario O'Hara's lost masterpiece |access-date=March 29, 2013 |archive-date=April 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430105556/http://www.criticine.com/review_article.php?id=6 |url-status=dead }} Aunor received her 10th FAMAS Best Actress nomination and fifth nomination from Gawad Urian for her performance in this film. She won best actress from the Catholic Mass Media Awards. No print of this film is known to exist.{{cite web |url=http://www.criticine.com/review_article.php?id=6 |title=Bakit Bughaw ang Langit: Noel Vera reviews Mario O'Hara's lost masterpiece |access-date=May 14, 2020 |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716074942/http://www.criticine.com/review_article.php?id=6 |url-status=dead }}

File:FAMAS 1985.jpg at the 1985 FAMAS Awards both won the Best Actress Award in 1985]]

Aunor continued to make romantic comedy films in 1982, such as Annie Sabungera (Annie the Woman Cockfighter){{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} and Palengke Queen.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} In the same year, Aunor also appeared in three other films. Mga Uod at Rosas (Worms and Roses),{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} a story of a struggling artist frustrated with life and has been entertaining the thought of giving up his art. Aunor played Socorro, a landlady daughter who falls for the painter who is in love with a model.{{cite web |url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10471460-mga-uod-at-rosas |title=Mga Uod at Rosas Review |access-date=March 29, 2013 |archive-date=June 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603004527/http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10471460-mga-uod-at-rosas |url-status=live }} This film gave Aunor her 11th nomination from FAMAS. The second was T-Bird at Ako (T-Bird and Me),{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} Aunor played a lesbian lawyer who falls for a woman she is helping to defend in court.

Her third performance for 1982 was in Himala (Miracle), where Aunor played the role of a young woman who claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary. Produced by the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines, the film won Best Picture, Best Actress for Aunor, Best Director for Ishmael Bernal and six other awards in the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film became the first Filipino film to be included in the "Competition Section" of the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival and received many international awards such as Bronze Hugo Awards, 19th Chicago Film Festival (1983) (winner),{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} Asia-Pacific Film Festival Special Achievement for Best Depiction of Socially Involved Religion (1983). {{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=rm superstarstruck.weebly.com is a fan blog per WP:BLOG}} and Best Asian-Pacific Movie of All Time, CNN APSA Viewers Choice Award (2008).Pythias08 (November 27, 2008). {{YouTube|X4VAVQG_CK4|"CNN Screening Room's feature on Himala"}}. Retrieved March 28, 2011. Decades after its release, Himala was made into a stage musical,{{cite web |title=Himala makes the audience witnesses to Cupang's events |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/philippines/article/BWW-Review-HIMALA-Makes-the-Audience-Witnesses-to-Cupangs-Events-20190929 |website=Broadway World |access-date=May 17, 2023}}{{cite web |title=Digitally restored Himala 22 November 2022 |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/02/22/digitally-restored-himala-now-available-on-netflix |website=ABS CBN |publisher=ABS CBN news |access-date=May 17, 2023}}{{cite web|title=10 essential films of all time from the Philippines |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/filipino-cinema-guide-10-best-films-philippines/ |website=Far Out Magazine UK |date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2023}}{{cite web|access-date=May 16, 2023 |date=January 31, 2022 |title=10 Best Filipino Movies, according to MUBI |url=https://screenrant.com/best-movies-filipino-directors-mubi-ranked/ |website=Screen Rant}}{{cite web |title=10 iconic films that shaped Philippine cinema |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/arts/cinesandaan-10-iconic-films-that-shaped-philippine-cinema |website=Tatler Asia |publisher=Tatler Magazine |access-date=May 17, 2023}}

In 1983, Aunor made only one film, Minsan, May Isang Ina,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} with Charito Solis and Maricel Soriano, and directed by Maryo J. de los Reyes. For this film, Aunor received her 12th consecutive FAMAS Best Actress nomination.

In 1984, Aunor released three highly-acclaimed films. She portrayed an Overseas Filipino Worker who works as a nurse in America and her struggles to fight loneliness and homesickness in 'Merika.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} The film also tackles the story of Filipino illegal aliens who will do anything just to get a Green card. Directed by Gil Portes, Aunor's performance in this film won her awards from (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies and her eighth Gawad Urian best actress nomination. Her next film was given an "A" Rating by the Film Ratings Board,{{cite web |url=http://www.superstarnoraaunor.com/condemnedmoviereview.html |title=REVIEW: Condemned |access-date=March 30, 2013 |archive-date=October 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021013240/http://superstarnoraaunor.com/condemnedmoviereview.html |url-status=live }} Condemned{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} is a story of siblings Yolly (Aunor) and Efren (Dan Alvaro), and how their lives changed when Efren worked as a driver and a hired killer for ruthless money laundering lady Connie (played by Gloria Romero).

The third Aunor film of 1984 was Bulaklak sa City Jail (Flowers of the City Jail).{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} The film was an official entry to the 1984 Metro Manila Film Festival, for her role as a pregnant prisoner and a victim of injustice, Angela Aguilar, Aunor won best actress from Metro Manila Film Festival, Catholic Mass Media Awards and her third best actress award from FAMAS. At the Gawad Urian that year, Aunor was a double nominee for Best Actress for Bulaklak sa City Jail and Merika, while at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, Aunor was a triple nominee for Best Actress for Merika, Condemned, and Bulaklak sa City Jail.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} She was the first actor to achieve both feats. She was also nominated for Best Actress at the Film Academy of the Philippines for Bulaklak sa City Jail.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}}

In 1985, Aunor made five films. The first was Beloved,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} a film about four people torn between the love of power and the power of love and infidelity. The film was also serialized in King Komiks. Next was Tinik sa Dibdib as Lorna, a long-suffering daughter of irresponsible parents who drove her to marry a security guard, who himself is the breadwinner of a very dysfunctional family. Her next project was the box-office hit Till We Meet Again. This was followed by an anthology film Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang, which was even stronger at the box-office, and finally, I Can't Stop Loving You, an entry to the year-end Metro Manila Film Festival, which was a top-grosser for that year.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

For the next three years, released only a handful including her final team-up with Dolphy, My Bugoy Goes to Congress, which was a hit. Other films she made were 1986's I Love You Mama, I Love You Papa, co-starring with her estranged husband, Christopher de Leon and their children, Lotlot and Ian Kristoffer, and received her 15th consecutive FAMAS Best Actress nomination; Sana Mahalin Mo Ako; Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak (Three Mothers, One Son); and Balut...Penoy.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}}

In 1989 she filmed Bilangin ang mga Bituin sa Langit (Count the Stars in the Sky), about the rise and fall of a poor, hard-working, and determined barrio lass and her lifetime stormy relationship with a childhood sweetheart. This won her the Best Actress Awards in Gawad Urian, FAMAS, and FAP. After 22 years, her longtime musical-variety show Superstar aired its final episode on October 1, 1989. The program briefly returned on television from November 1989 when it was produced on Channel 13.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

{{rquote|right|Nora Aunor has now defined for us the meaning of a true triumph of the spirit.
No wonder she is much imitated but never equalled.
— former Philippine Senate President Blas Ople, on Aunor in 1996.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}}}

In the 1990s Aunor only made 10 films, when previously she had made up to 10 films a year. Most of these films were critically acclaimed and won not only local but international awards. Aunor also did three stage plays, the first two produced by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

In the 1990 film Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? (Andrea, What is it Like to Be a Mother?), Aunor played an New People's Army rebel who leaves her newborn baby to search for her husband.{{cite web |url=http://pinoyrebyu.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/modern-philippine-classics-1990/ |title=Modern Classics |date=April 10, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2013 |archive-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013120420/https://pinoyrebyu.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/modern-philippine-classics-1990/ |url-status=live }} The film won for Aunor all the Best Actress Awards given by the Philippines' five annual award-giving bodies at that time: Gawad Urian, Star Awards for Movies, Film Academy of the Philippines, and her fifth FAMAS Award for Best Actress, thus elevating her to the Hall of Fame. She won the first Young Critics Circle Award for Best Performance. The film was also the official entry to the 1990 Metro Manila Film Festival and she also won the Best Actress award.

On May 18, 1991, a few days before her 38th birthday, she staged her first major concert at the Araneta Coliseum, thus earning the name "concert queen" for filling the venue with about 30,000 fans.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} Her guests included Gary Valenciano, Mon Faustino, The Hotlegs, The Operas, and many more. The audio recording of the concert was later released as her very first live album Handog ni Guy Live. Many showbiz personalities came to show their support to Aunor like Sharon Cuneta, Joseph Estrada, Regine Velasquez, Pilita Corrales, Danny Tan, Edgar Mortiz, Juan Rodrigo, Carlo Orosa, Ivy Violan, and others.

Later in 1991, Aunor ventured into theater and joined did the stage adaptation of her critically acclaimed film, Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo. It was staged by PETA and directed by Socrates "Soxy" Topacio, then PETA's artistic head. Rody Vera wrote the screenplay.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=rm superstarstruck.weebly.com is a fan blog per WP:BLOG}} She did two more stage plays, DH in 1992 and The Trojan Women in 1994. Her performances in the three plays were acclaimed.{{cite web |title=Nora Aunor on stage - where she is just as stellar |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/165038/nora-aunor-on-stage-where-she-was-just-as-stellar/ |website=Inquirer |date=July 4, 2014 |access-date=May 16, 2023}}

On December 25, 1991, Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. was included in the 1991 Metro Manila Film Festival. Aunor played a mother struggling to take care of her vegetative daughter. 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. She also won at the Star Awards for Movies and from the Young Critics Circle Award for Best Performance.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}}

In 1992, Aunor was cast in another PETA play, DH. PETA toured the play in North America, Europe, and Hong Kong. On the same year, Aunor returned to television through the weekly drama anthology, Star Drama Presents NORA. She won the Best Actress Award from Star Awards for Television (Philippine Movie Press Club). In 1994, she won the Best Actress in a Single Performance award from the Star Awards for Television (Philippine Movie Press Club) for her performance in "Spotlight" for the episode: "Good Morning, Ma'am". She went back into the recording studio to record bonus tracks for a compilation album to be released in co-operation with Alpha Records and Warner Brothers. The new songs were written by an American songwriter, a neighbor of her sister Tita in San Diego, California.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}}

In 1994, Aunor received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Academy of the Philippines. She was the youngest recipient of this special award. In 1995, Aunor found renewed success in the box office when she starred in the biographical film The Flor Contemplacion Story, about Filipino domestic worker Flor Contemplacion who was hanged in Singapore for allegedly killing her fellow maid.{{cite web |url=http://www.bigozine2.com/movies08/NVflor.html |title=The Flor Contemplacion Story Review |access-date=April 2, 2013 |archive-date=September 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910223118/http://www.bigozine2.com/movies08/NVflor.html |url-status=live }} Her performance in The Flor Contemplacion Story got rave reviews {{cite web |title=The Flor Contemplacion Story - December 10, 1995 |url=https://variety.com/1995/film/reviews/the-flor-contemplacion-story-1200444108/ |website=Variety Magazine |date=December 11, 1995 |publisher=Variety |access-date=May 18, 2023}}{{cite web |title=The Flor Contemplacion Story - Philippines film |url=https://chicagoreader.com/film/the-flor-contemplacion-story/ |website=Chicago Reader |date=October 26, 1985 |access-date=May 18, 2023}} earning her first international best actress awards from Cairo International Film Festival, she swept all the Best-Actress awards given by the Philippines' different award-giving bodies, including the Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, and Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role given by the Young Critics Circle Award for Best Performance.{{cite web |url=https://yccfilmdesk.wordpress.com/awards-criteria/ |title=Awards & Criteria |date=August 6, 2012 |access-date=May 14, 2020 |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609193421/https://yccfilmdesk.wordpress.com/awards-criteria/ |url-status=live }}

Aunor's other 1995 film was Viva Films' official entry to the 1995 Metro Manila Film Festival, Muling Umawit ang Puso, featuring her as a once-famous actress seeking to regain her popularity. It won eight awards at the festival including Best Picture, Director, Actress, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}

In June 1996, Aunor was cast to play Sisa in Premiere Productions' then-upcoming film adaptation of José Rizal's novel Noli Me Tángere, though the project did not come to fruition.{{cite news|last=Japitana|first=Norma|title=Marriage for Robin|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gqEVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WgsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6460%2C2984399|access-date=October 20, 2022|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Standard Publications, Inc.|date=June 19, 1996|page=31B}} In 1997, 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 as a psychotic woman who plots her revenge on the family of her parents' killer in Bakit May Kahapon Pa?.{{cite web |url=http://lilokpelikula.wordpress.com/2008/07/28/hands-clean-in-joel-lamangans-bakit-may-kahapon-pa |title=Hands Clean in Joel Lamangan's Bakit May Kahapon Pa? (1996) |access-date=January 27, 2013 |archive-date=May 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503024220/http://lilokpelikula.wordpress.com/2008/07/28/hands-clean-in-joel-lamangans-bakit-may-kahapon-pa/ |url-status=dead }}

In 1999, Aunor made only one film, Sidhi,{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} written by Rolando Tinio, a National Artist for Theater and Literature. Later that same year Aunor received the Centennial Honor for the Arts conferred by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}}

File:President Arroyo with Nora Aunor.jpg in May 2004.]]

In 2002, Aunor returned to Philippine television through her nightly drama show entitled, Bituin, a soap opera that was aired by ABS-CBN from September 23, 2002, to May 23, 2003. It starred Carol Banawa, Desiree del Valle, Aunor and Cherie Gil.{{Cite web |url=http://www.abs-cbnglobal.com/others/isd/series/family/star/story.html |title=ABS-CBN International: 'Star' |access-date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707075340/http://www.abs-cbnglobal.com/others/isd/series/family/star/story.html |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

In 2003, Aunor held her 50th birthday Gold sell-out concert at the Araneta Coliseum.{{cite web |url=http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/may/24/ent_6-1.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109173243/http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/may/24/ent_6-1.htm |archive-date=November 9, 2006 |title=Nora Aunor holds audience in the palm of her hand |access-date=April 5, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Nora Aunor "Gold" Concert - 2003 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AHig4k6ra8 |website=Youtube |date=September 27, 2019 |access-date=May 15, 2023}}

In 2004, Aunor made her last film shot entirely in the Philippines before she went on hiatus for almost eight years. Naglalayag tells the story of a May–December affair between a middle-aged judge and a young taxi driver, portrayed by Yul Servo.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} Their performance won them international acting awards at the 31st Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bruxelles, where the film also won the jury prize.{{cite news|work=The Philippine Star|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2004/06/30/255813/nora-yul-win-top-honors-manila-filmfest-awards|title=Nora, Yul win top honors at Manila Filmfest awards|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121215954/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2004/06/30/255813/nora-yul-win-top-honors-manila-filmfest-awards|url-status=live}}

On December 1, 2005, Aunor received her own star on the Philippines Walk of Fame as one of its first inductees.{{cite news|work=The Philippine Star|url=http://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/714874/nora-aunor-visits-her-star-walk-fame-el-presidentes-p100-million-movie|title=Nora Aunor visits her star in Walk of Fame|access-date=July 27, 2013|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924165518/http://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/714874/nora-aunor-visits-her-star-walk-fame-el-presidentes-p100-million-movie|url-status=live}}

While in the United States, Aunor did two independently produced films namely Ingrata and Care Home. Even with only a limited run in a few Metro Manila theaters, the films, particularly Care Home, was still able to score for Aunor critical praise and even nominations for Best Actress, specifically from PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 2007.

At the start of the decade, Aunor was still doing a series of concerts in the United States and Canada performing to Filipino communities. In February 2010, she was shortlisted by the Green Globe Film Awards as one of the 10 Best Asian Actresses of the Decade.{{cite web |url=http://www.vintersections.com/2010/02/nora-aunor-nominated-in-2010-green.html |title=Nora Aunor nominated in the Green Globe Film Awards |access-date=February 9, 2013 |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131142920/http://www.vintersections.com/2010/02/nora-aunor-nominated-in-2010-green.html |url-status=live }} On March 23, 2010, Aunor was named one of the 10 Best Asian Actresses along with Gong Li and Maggie Cheung.{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/24/10/nora-aunor-wins-2010-green-planet-movie-awards|title=Nora Aunor wins at 2010 Green Planet Movie Awards|access-date=February 9, 2013|archive-date=August 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809152855/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/24/10/nora-aunor-wins-2010-green-planet-movie-awards|url-status=live}} She was the only Filipino actress to be shortlisted and win this award.{{cite news |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20100408-263103/Nora-reconnects-with-70s-screen-partner-Sajid-Khan |title=Nora reconnects with 70s screen partner Sajid Khan |access-date=February 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108033129/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20100408-263103/Nora-reconnects-with-70s-screen-partner-Sajid-Khan |archive-date=November 8, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

Aunor resumed her entertainment career in 2010, beginning with two endorsement deals in Japan, including one for a skin clinic.{{cite news|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/24860/The-new-Nora-Aunor-explains-why-she-underwent-plastic-surgery|title=The new Nora Aunor explains why she underwent plastic surgery|access-date=February 9, 2013|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924141607/http://www.pep.ph/news/24860/The-new-Nora-Aunor-explains-why-she-underwent-plastic-surgery|url-status=live}} However, due to a botched surgery in Japan, Aunor lost her singing voice,{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/05/25/10/will-nora-aunor-file-lawsuit-over-botched-surgery|title=Is Nora a victim of botched surgery?|access-date=February 9, 2013|archive-date=June 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614183830/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/05/25/10/will-nora-aunor-file-lawsuit-over-botched-surgery|url-status=live}} During her concert in May 2010 in Toronto, Canada, Aunor tearfully announced that it would be her last concert as she could no longer sing.{{cite web |url=http://filipinojournal.com/alberta/philippine-news/entainment/nora-aunor-lost-golden-voice-due-to-vocal-cord-surgery.html |title=Nora Aunor Lost Golden Voice Due to Cosmetic Surgery |access-date=February 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301074914/http://filipinojournal.com/alberta/philippine-news/entainment/nora-aunor-lost-golden-voice-due-to-vocal-cord-surgery.html |archive-date=March 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }} On August 2, 2011, Aunor returned to the Philippines.{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/01/11/nora-aunor-back-philippines|title=Nora Aunor back in the Philippines|access-date=February 9, 2013|archive-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104230304/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/01/11/nora-aunor-back-philippines|url-status=live}}

Aunor signed a three-year contract with TV5, she did a mini series, Sa Ngalan ng Ina, and a historical film with Governor ER Ejercito titled El Presidente, a biopic of the first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo intended for the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, in which she played the role of Aguinaldo's second wife Maria Agoncillo. Also in 2011, she received eight Lifetime Achievement Awards for film and music from different award giving bodies.{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/09/11/nora-aunor-starts-filming-el-presidente|title=Nora Aunor starts filming 'El Presidente'|access-date=February 10, 2013|archive-date=October 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018062531/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/09/11/nora-aunor-starts-filming-el-presidente|url-status=live}}

Sa Ngalan ng Ina was the first project after her return. She played a widow who runs for governor following her husband's assassination.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} Aunor received a nomination from Golden Screen TV Awards and a best actress trophy from 2012 Star Awards for Television. This miniseries would be her last collaboration with director Mario O'Hara before his death from leukemia.{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/06/26/12/mario-o-hara-dies-leukemia|title=Mario O'Hara dies of leukemia|access-date=April 5, 2013|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629204451/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/06/26/12/mario-o-hara-dies-leukemia|url-status=live}}{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/46871/mario-o%E2%80%99-hara-68|title=Death of actor-director Mario O'Hara stuns filmdom|access-date=April 5, 2013|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630121854/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/46871/mario-o%E2%80%99-hara-68|url-status=live}}

File:Nora Aunor at the 69th Venice International Film Festival, September 2012.jpg

In 2012, Aunor collaborated with the Cannes best director awardee Brillante Mendoza for the film Thy Womb which was part of the 69th Venice International Film Festival. Aunor played Shaleha, a barren Badjao midwife who helps her husband look for a wife who can bear a child. The film was nominated for Golden Lion for Best Film and Volpi Cup for best actress for Aunor. On the eve of the awards, Aunor was chosen by the "Premio Della Critica Indipendiente" as their best performer and gave her the Bisato d'Oro.{{cite web |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/nora-aunor-wins-critics-prize-for-thy-womb-on-eve-of-venice-award-rites |title=Aunor wins critics prize |access-date=February 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111171939/http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/nora-aunor-wins-critics-prize-for-thy-womb-on-eve-of-venice-award-rites/ |archive-date=January 11, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

In November 2012, Aunor won the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actress and the film won the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Achievement in Directing for Brillante Mendoza.{{cite web |title=Asia Pacific Screen Awards - Best Actress 2012 |url=https://www.asiapacificscreenawards.com/apsa-nominees-winners/2012/best-actress/nora-aunor-thy-womb-sinapupunan |website=Asia Pacific Screen Awards |access-date=May 14, 2023}} By virtue of her nomination from the Asia Pacific Screen Award, she became the first Filipino actor to be inducted as a member of Asia Pacific Screen Academy.{{cite web |title=Asia Pacific Screen Academy Member - Nora Aunor |url=https://www.asiapacificscreenawards.com/apsa-academy-members/nora-aunor |website=Asia Pacific Screen Academy |access-date=May 15, 2023}} She was also nominated at the 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival,{{cite web |url=http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/macau/40209-the-55th-asia-pacific-film-festival-awards-announces-nominee-list.html |title=The 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival announces its nominees |access-date=February 11, 2013 |archive-date=December 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203051406/http://www.macaudailytimes.com.mo/macau/40209-the-55th-asia-pacific-film-festival-awards-announces-nominee-list.html |url-status=live }} Dubai International Film Festival, 43rd International Film Festival of India, and won Best Actress at the seventh Asian Film Awards.{{cite web |title=7th Asian Film Awards - Best Actress "Nora Aunor" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sihSKFdFRi0 |website=Youtube |date=August 12, 2013 |publisher=Asian Film Awards |access-date=May 15, 2023}}

At the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, Aunor won her eighth best actress award from the Festival.{{cite web |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/review-the-miracle-of-thy-womb-nora-aunor-delivers-another-performance-for-the-ages |title=The miracle of 'Thy Womb': Nora Aunor delivers another performance for the ages |access-date=April 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419025017/http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/review-the-miracle-of-thy-womb-nora-aunor-delivers-another-performance-for-the-ages/ |archive-date=April 19, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Also in 2012, Aunor guested in the fantasy-drama TV series Enchanted Garden, as a faith healer who happens to be a queen. She guested in Third Eye. In 2013, she returned to TV in the soap opera, Never Say Goodbye and was also cast in Ang Kwento ni Mabuti{{cite web|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/nora-aunor-topbills-cinefilipino-entry-ang-kuwento-ni-mabuti|title=Nora Aunor topbills CineFilipino entry, Ang Kuwento ni Mabuti|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401035120/http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/nora-aunor-topbills-cinefilipino-entry-ang-kuwento-ni-mabuti/|archive-date=April 1, 2013|url-status=dead}} an official entry to the first CineFilipino film Festival directed by acclaimed director Mes de Guzman.

On May 21, 2013, Aunor celebrated her 60th birthday dubbed as "Nora at 60" at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall.{{cite news|work=The Philippine Star|url=http://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2013/05/24/945771/still-fabulous-60|title=Still fabulous at 60!|access-date=May 24, 2013|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923124758/http://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2013/05/24/945771/still-fabulous-60|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/gallery-nora-aunor-celebrates-60th-birthday-with-career-retrospective/ |title=Nora Aunor celebrates 60th birthday with career retrospective |access-date=May 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609235739/http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/gallery-nora-aunor-celebrates-60th-birthday-with-career-retrospective/ |archive-date=June 9, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/may2313/ent_rp.htm |title=Nora Aunor celebrates 60th birthday |website=Abante |access-date=May 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607193502/http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/may2313/ent_rp.htm#.UZ3lTkrCsYR |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

{{rquote|right|It's great to win abroad but nothing beats being recognized by your countrymen.
— Aunor on her acceptance speech at the 2013 Gawad Urian.{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/99305/jericho-rosales-nora-aunor-brillante-mendoza-lead-36th-gawad-urian-awards|title=Nora Aunor, Jericho Rosales, Brillante Mendoza lead the 36th Gawad Urian Awards|access-date=8 September 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621222810/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/99305/jericho-rosales-nora-aunor-brillante-mendoza-lead-36th-gawad-urian-awards|url-status=live}}{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/06/19/955774/nora-wins-2013-urian-best-actress-award-jericho-best-actor|title=Nora wins 2013 Urian Best Actress award, Jericho Best Actor|access-date=September 8, 2013|archive-date=July 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729110846/http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/06/19/955774/nora-wins-2013-urian-best-actress-award-jericho-best-actor|url-status=live}}}}

{{Quote box|bgcolor=#CCDDFF | quote=I have won many awards, but each new one surprises me still.|source=-Nora Aunor on winning Gawad Tanglaw Best Actress.{{Cite news|url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/164281/because-teachers-take-media-arts-seriously|title=Because teachers take media arts seriously|first=Allan|last=Policarpio|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=August 30, 2019|archive-date=August 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830143008/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/164281/because-teachers-take-media-arts-seriously|url-status=live}}|width=180 | align=right}}

On June 18, 2013, Aunor won the Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress for Thy Womb. This was her 17th nomination and her seventh win.{{cite news|work=Rappler|url=http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/red-carpet/31622-nora-aunor-7th-urian-best-actress|title=Nora Aunor wins 7th Urian Best Actress|access-date=July 26, 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621063936/http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/red-carpet/31622-nora-aunor-7th-urian-best-actress|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://asianjournal.com/lifestyle/superstar-nora-aunor-jericho-rosales-win-top-acting-awards-in-this-years-gawad-urian |title=Superstar Nora Aunor, Jericho Rosales win top acting awards in this years Gawad Urian |date=June 20, 2013 |access-date=July 26, 2013 |archive-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627152149/http://asianjournal.com/lifestyle/superstar-nora-aunor-jericho-rosales-win-top-acting-awards-in-this-years-gawad-urian/ |url-status=live }}

On August 30, 2013, Aunor won her fourth international Best Actress award from the third Sakhalin International Film Festival in Russia for the film Thy Womb.{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/30/13/nora-aunor-scores-4th-intl-award-thy-womb-role|title=Nora Aunor scores 4th int'l award for 'Thy Womb' role|access-date=August 30, 2013|archive-date=August 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831053443/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/30/13/nora-aunor-scores-4th-intl-award-thy-womb-role|url-status=live}}

In 2014, Aunor filmed her second tele-movie/miniseries with TV5 titled When I Fall in Love, and directed by Joel Lamangan. She portrayed a wife who takes care of her terminally-ill husband.{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/100333/welcome-back-the-guy-pip-love-team|title=Welcome back the Guy & Pip love team, Dollywood, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 25, 2013|access-date=January 22, 2014|archive-date=February 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219043702/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/100333/welcome-back-the-guy-pip-love-team|url-status=live}}

Aunor was honored as one of the "People of the Year" by People Asia magazine on January 21, 2014.{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/lifestyle/01/22/14/coco-megan-nora-honored-people-year|title=Coco, Megan, Nora honored as 'People of the Year'|access-date=January 22, 2014|archive-date=January 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122172501/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/lifestyle/01/22/14/coco-megan-nora-honored-people-year|url-status=live}} In the promotional news of TV5, Aunor was announced to top-bill the musical-drama, Trenderas, in which Aunor played the role of a famous singer who mysteriously disappeared at the height of her popularity.{{cite news|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|url=http://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/13248/dingdong-avanzado-joins-nora-aunor-in-tv539s-upcoming-musical-drama-trenderas|title=Dingdong Avanzado joins Nora Aunor in TV5's upcoming musical-drama Trenderas|access-date=January 24, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202160544/http://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/13248/dingdong-avanzado-joins-nora-aunor-in-tv539s-upcoming-musical-drama-trenderas|url-status=live}}{{cite news|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|url=http://www.pep.ph/photos/4334/nora-aunor-joins-fresh-talents-in-tv539s-musical-drama-trenderas|title=Nora Aunor joins fresh talents in TV5's musical-drama Trenderas|access-date=January 24, 2014|archive-date=February 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202160546/http://www.pep.ph/photos/4334/nora-aunor-joins-fresh-talents-in-tv539s-musical-drama-trenderas|url-status=live}}

On February 2, 2014, Aunor received her second Ani ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines).{{cite news|work=The Manila Times|url=http://manilatimes.net/nora-aunor-leads-ani-ng-dangal-awardees/70568/|title=Nora Aunor leads 'Ani ng Dangal' awardees, The Manila Times, January 25, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2014|archive-date=February 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220065843/http://manilatimes.net/nora-aunor-leads-ani-ng-dangal-awardees/70568/|url-status=live}}

On July 18, 2014, the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication awarded Aunor with the Gawad Plaridel Award for Television, Music and Film.{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/147418/nora-aunor-receives-up-gawad-plaridel-award|title=Nora Aunor receives UP Gawad Plaridel award|access-date=July 18, 2014|archive-date=July 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718165515/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/147418/nora-aunor-receives-up-gawad-plaridel-award|url-status=live}}

Aunor made four films in 2014, including Hustisya, which was part of the 10th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. This was the first time that Aunor participated in the Film festival.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} The film was directed by Joel Lamangan and penned by Ricky Lee.{{cite news|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|url=http://www.pep.ph/guide/photos/4769/nora-aunor-graces-cinemalaya-gala-of-hustisya|title=Nora Aunor graces Cinemalaya gala of Hustisya|access-date=August 5, 2014|archive-date=August 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052803/http://www.pep.ph/guide/photos/4769/nora-aunor-graces-cinemalaya-gala-of-hustisya|url-status=live}} As a result, she won her first Best Actress award from the awards body. The film was also declared by Cinemalaya as the box-office winner during its weeklong run.{{cite web |url=http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/nora-aunor-wins-best-actress-leads-cinemalaya-x-winners |title=Nora Aunor wins best actress, leads Cinemalaya X winners |access-date=August 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210040/http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/nora-aunor-wins-best-actress-leads-cinemalaya-x-winners/ |archive-date=August 12, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

Before the middle of the year, Aunor finished three other films aside from Hustisya. Dementia is a psychological horror drama directed by newcomer director Perci Intalan. The other two films, Padre de Pamilya and Whistleblower, were both directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr.{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/27/14/nora-aunor-receives-gawad-plaridel-award|title=Nora Aunor receives UP Gawad Plaridel Award|access-date=August 28, 2014|archive-date=August 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827163612/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/27/14/nora-aunor-receives-gawad-plaridel-award|url-status=live}}

In 2012, Aunor received the Asian Achiever Award as Asia's Best Actress Awardee by the Asia Pacific Awards Council (APAC) led by consumer advocate Jonathan Navea. She again received the same accolade during the 26th Asia Pacific Excellence Awards on April 9, 2015.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

On May 16, 2015, Aunor won her eighth International Best actress for her film Dementia which also won the Best Foreign Language Film at the St. Tropez International Film Festival in France.{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/170349/nora-aunor-dementia-win-big-in-france-film-fest|title=Nora Aunor, 'Dementia' win big in France film fest|access-date=May 15, 2015|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518032323/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/170349/nora-aunor-dementia-win-big-in-france-film-fest|url-status=live}} She also won another international award in 2015, when she received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards.{{cite web |title=Resolution - Senate P.S. No. 1270 |url=http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/2084917924!.pdf |website=Philippine Senate |access-date=May 14, 2023}}

In 2015, Aunor was recognized by several universities and colleges in the Philippines, naming her as a cultural Icon. Bicol University presented her with the ONRA Award upon the initiative of Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe for bringing honor and pride to her fellow Bicolanos in particular, and to the country in general, through her achievements in the arts.{{cite news|work=Manila Bulletin|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/a-grand-homecoming-for-nora-aunor/|title=A grand homecoming for Nora Aunor|access-date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923163854/http://www.mb.com.ph/a-grand-homecoming-for-nora-aunor/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/166669/onra-no-less-for-nora-aunor|title='Onra,' no less, for Nora Aunor :Bicol University welcomes the Superstar as it would a homecoming queen|access-date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923163343/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/166669/onra-no-less-for-nora-aunor|url-status=live}} The Ateneo de Naga University gave her "Bulawan na Bikolnon" award for giving pride to the Bicol Region.{{cite news|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/50695/nora-aunor-elated-by-various-citations-in-bicol-region-ldquopakiramdam-ko-isa-akong-presidenterdquo|title=Nora Aunor elated by various citations in Bicol region: "Pakiramdam ko, isa akong Presidente!"|access-date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=July 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710141755/http://www.pep.ph/news/50695/nora-aunor-elated-by-various-citations-in-bicol-region-ldquopakiramdam-ko-isa-akong-presidenterdquo|url-status=live}}{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/167050/superstars-sentimental-homecoming|title=Superstars sentimental homecoming|access-date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923102457/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/167050/superstars-sentimental-homecoming|url-status=live}} De La Salle University also recognized her with the "Gawada La Sallian para sa Sining" for her contributions to Philippine Arts.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iblvl7Fz6ik |title=Pagpaparangal ng Gawad LaSallian sa Sining kay Bb NORA AUNOR |website=YouTube |date=May 2, 2015 |access-date=July 27, 2015 |archive-date=February 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204112933/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iblvl7Fz6ik |url-status=live }}

On September 17, 2015, Aunor was conferred the Gawad CPP para sa Sining for Film and Broadcast Arts by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.{{cite web |title=Nora Aunor leads Gawad CCP awardees |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/179076/nora-aunor-leads-gawad-ccp-awardees |website=Inquirer |date=September 21, 2015 |access-date=May 15, 2023}}

At the 63rd FAMAS Awards on September 20, 2015, Aunor together with other celebrities was recognized as the Iconic Movie Queen of Philippine Cinema.{{cite news|work=Rappler|url=http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/104686-list-famas-awards-2015-nominees|title=63rd FAMAS Awards|access-date=September 20, 2015|archive-date=September 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916222533/http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/104686-list-famas-awards-2015-nominees|url-status=live}}

After consecutive nominations for Thy Womb, Ang Kwento ni Mabuti, Dementia, and Taklub, Aunor received her fifth consecutive and 21st Urian Best Actress nomination in 2017 for Hinulid,{{cite web |title=Hinulid: Film Review, October 2016 |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2016/10/19/hinulid-the-sorrows-of-sita-and-the-politics-of-myths-and-memories/ |website=Business Mirror |date=October 19, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2023}} her first film shot entirely in her native Bicolano language.

File:Nora Aunor Acceptance Speech - 2022 Order of the National Artist of the Philippines - Parangal sa Mga Pambansang Alagad ng Sining.webm

In 2020, Aunor starred with Phillip Salvador and Michael de Mesa in Isa Pang Bahaghari (Another Rainbow), a film directed by Joel Lamangan. It was the first time in 40 years that Aunor and Salvador had acted together in a film.{{cite web |title=Nora Aunor, Phillip Salvador reunited after 40 years |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2020/12/15/Nora-Aunor--Philip-Salvador-reunited-in--Isa-Pang-Bahaghari-.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515115450/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2020/12/15/Nora-Aunor--Philip-Salvador-reunited-in--Isa-Pang-Bahaghari-.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |website=CNN |publisher=CNN Philippines |access-date=May 15, 2023}} The film competed in the 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival.{{cite web|title=2020 Metro Manila Film Festival |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1880696/Cebu/Lifestyle/Metro-Manila-Film-Festival-2020-starts-streaming-this-Christmas |website=Sun Star Philippines |date=December 20, 2020 |publisher=Sun Star |access-date=May 15, 2023}}

In May 2020 on her 67th birthday, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, Aunor appeared in the Youtube video Lola Doc.{{cite web|title=Review: Nora Aunor in Lola Doc |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/376685/unconventional-projects-show-nora-aunor-kim-chiu-in-a-flattering-light |website=Inquirer |date=May 25, 2020 |access-date=May 16, 2023}}

In 2021, Aunor was chosen as one of the Best Actors and Actresses of the Decade (2010s) by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, the Filipino film critics group who hands out the Gawad Urian Award.{{cite web |title=Critics honor best film performers of 2010s |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/10/14/critics-honor-the-actors-of-the-decade/ |website=Business Mirror |date=October 14, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2023}}

In late 2021, Aunor was cast in her first antagonist role in the film Kontrabida{{cite web |title=Nora Aunor tackles first kontrabida role |url=https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/columns0/very-wang/345233/nora-aunor-tackles-first-kontrabida-role.html |website=Manila Standard |date=January 24, 2021 |access-date=May 15, 2023}} (The Villain), directed by Adolfo Alix Jr. The film competed at the sixth Hanoi International Film Festival, winning the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC) Prize for Best Asian Film.{{cite web |title=Nora Aunor film Kontrabida wins Best Asian Film at Hanoi Int'l Film Festival |url=https://push.abs-cbn.com/2022/11/23/nora-aunor-movie-kontrabida-wins-best-asian-film |website=ABS CBN |access-date=May 15, 2023}}

In June 2022, Aunor received the National Artist of the Philippines award following Proclamation 1390 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/834588/malacanang-confers-new-national-artists/story/|title=Nora Aunor, seven others named new National Artists|first=Sundy|last=Locus|date=June 10, 2022|website=GMA News Online}}{{cite web |title=Duterte fetes National Artists |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176928 |work=Philippine News Agency |access-date=May 15, 2023}}

In 2023, Aunor starred in Pieta,{{cite web |title=Powerhouse reunion - Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar in Pieta |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2023/02/08/powerhouse-reunion-nora-aunor-gina-alajar-in-new-film-pieta/ |website=Daily Tribune |date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=May 15, 2023}} a drama-thriller directed by Alix, with Bembol Roco, Gina Alajar, and Jaclyn Jose.{{cite web |title=Pieta unveils star-studded cast 2023 |url=https://www.manilastandard.net/showbitz/314311220/upcoming-drama-movie-pieta-unveils-star-studded-cast.html |website=Manila Standard |date=March 6, 2023 |access-date=May 16, 2023}} She portrayed a mother who is going blind and suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's who meets her son who is released from prison after 25 years.{{cite web|title=What Alfred Vargas learned from Nora, Gina, Jaclyn in "Pieta" |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/22/what-alfred-vargas-learned-from-nora-gina-and-jaclyn |website=Manila Bulletin |access-date=May 16, 2023}}

Aunor made a cameo appearance in the 2024 musical drama film and Metro Manila Film Festival entry Isang Himala, an adaptation of the 2018 theatrical play based on Aunor's 1982 film Himala.{{cite web |last1=Felipe |first1=MJ |title=Nora Aunor to have special cameo at MMFF movie-musical ‘Isang Himala’ |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2024/12/4/nora-aunor-to-have-special-cameo-at-mmff-movie-musical-isang-himala-0056 |website=ABS-CBN News |access-date=April 19, 2025 |date=December 5, 2024}} In February 2025, Aunor starred in her final film titled Mananambal, a horror film directed by Alix.{{cite web |last1=Hawson |first1=Fred |title='Mananambal' review: Nora Aunor's expressive eyes as intense as ever |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2025/2/21/-mananambal-review-nora-aunor-s-expressive-eyes-as-intense-as-ever-1443 |website=ABS-CBN News |access-date=April 19, 2025 |date=February 21, 2025}}

Before her death, Aunor was supposed to star in a film with Hilda Koronel.{{cite web |last1=Cerezo |first1=Anna |title=Nora Aunor was excited to shoot film with Hilda Koronel, Director shares |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2025/4/19/nora-aunor-was-excited-to-shoot-film-with-hilda-koronel-director-shares-1805 |website=ABS-CBN News |access-date=April 19, 2025 |date=April 19, 2025}}

In 1986, Aunor campaigned for the reelection of president Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 snap election, stating in her television program Superstar that she believed Marcos could solve the problems in Philippine society.{{cite news|title=More stars join KBL campaign|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 30, 1986|quote=Nora, who has in the past been very discreet about her political convictions, admitted on Superstar that she is joining President Marcos' campaign retinue[....] 'At naniniwala rin ako na si Presidente Marcos lang ang makakalutas sa lahat ng problema ng ating bayan ngayon.'}} Despite this, Aunor attended the beginning of the People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos a few weeks later.{{cite news|title=EDSA Day 1: February 22, 1986 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 13, 2014 |url=https://www.inquirer.net/118117/edsa-people-power-revolution-day-1-february-22-1986/}} In January 2001, Aunor also participated in the Second EDSA Revolution that overthrew President Joseph Estrada,{{cite news|title=Remember EDSA? |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=January 21, 2023 |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/01/21/remember-edsa/}} whom she previously accused of hitting her while they were both in a relationship in their acting careers. She endorsed Estrada's reelectionist successor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the 2004 election.{{cite news|title=Aunor, Lulli endorse Arroyo |newspaper=Gulf News |date=February 11, 2004 |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/aunor-lulli-endorse-arroyo-1.313345}}

On March 17, 2015, Nora publicly called for President Noynoy Aquino's resignation during a rally to commemorate the death of Flor Contemplacion, accusing him of failing to resolve labor issues in the country.{{cite news|work=The Philippine Star|url=http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2015/03/18/1434970/nora-aunor-pnoy-resign|title=Nora Aunor: PNoy, resign!|access-date=September 22, 2015|archive-date=September 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930062419/http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2015/03/18/1434970/nora-aunor-pnoy-resign|url-status=live}}

In 2024, Aunor registered her candidacy as second nominee of the People's Champ Guardians party-list for the 2025 Philippine House of Representatives elections.{{cite web|title='Para lang po makatulong': Nora Aunor seeks House seat under new party-list |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/10/7/-para-lang-po-makatulong-nora-aunor-seeks-house-seat-under-new-party-list-1130 |website=ABS-CBN |access-date=April 17, 2025}} In March 2025 she withdrew her candidacy, and endorsed Kabalikat ng Mamamayan.{{cite news|title=Nora Aunor backs out as party-list nominee, to support another group |url=https://www.inquirer.net/431429/nora-aunor-backs-out-as-party-list-nominee-to-support-another-group/ |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 5, 2025 |access-date=April 17, 2025}}

Aunor and actor Christopher de Leon married in a civil ceremony on January 25, 1975. She and De León have one biological child and four adopted children, including Lotlot de Leon.{{cite news|work=Manila Bulletin|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/378159/lotlot-de-leon-grateful-to-both-biological-and-adoptive-parents#.UP5X_lK1hIs|title=Lotlot De Leon Grateful To Both Biological And Adoptive Parents|access-date=January 22, 2013|archive-date=January 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101111936/http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/378159/lotlot-de-leon-grateful-to-both-biological-and-adoptive-parents#.UP5X_lK1hIs|url-status=live}} She and De Leon renewed their vows on January 27, 1976, in a religious ceremony.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} The couple later separated, and their marriage was dissolved in 1996.{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/25185/matet-shares-secrets-of-nora-aunor-as-supermom|title=Matet Shares secret of nora as supermom|access-date=January 16, 2013|archive-date=July 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718194329/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/25185/matet-shares-secrets-of-nora-aunor-as-supermom|url-status=live}} Her niece Marion Aunor is also a singer and actress.{{cite news |date=March 7, 2013 |title=Nora Aunor's niece signs up with Star Records |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/07/13/nora-aunors-niece-signs-star-records |accessdate=March 11, 2013 |work=ABS-CBN News}}{{cite news |last=Benavides |first=Kathleen |date=February 4, 2013 |title=Nora Aunor's niece Marion Aunor is one of Himig Handog 2013's twelve finalists |url=http://www.pep.ph/spotlight/extra-extra/28379/nora-aunors-niece-marion-aunor-is-one-of-himig-handog-2013s-twelve-finalists |accessdate=March 11, 2013 |work=Philippine Entertainment Portal}}

On March 30, 2005, Aunor was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after being found with eight grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe in her carry-on luggage. After pleading guilty to drug-related charges, she was ordered to pay a $250-fine and undergo six-month drug rehabilitation program. Upon completion of the terms, the charges against her were dismissed in 2007.{{cite news|work=GMA News |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/content/62797/nora-aunor-cleared-of-drug-case-in-us/story/ |title=Nora Aunor cleared of drug case in US |access-date=April 17, 2025}} Despite this, the case was cited by President Noynoy Aquino in his refusal to confer the National Artist Award to Aunor in 2014.{{cite news|work=The Philippine Star |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/07/01/1341221/pnoy-drug-case-disqualified-nora-natl-artist |title=PNoy: Drug case disqualified Nora as Nat'l Artist |access-date=April 17, 2025}}

Aunor became a permanent resident of the United States in 2008, but retained Filipino citizenship.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}} In 2011, she returned to the Philippines to resume her acting and singing career after an eight-year hiatus.{{cite web |url=http://philippineparadisepages.com/news_details&id=109 |title=The Philippine 'Superstar' is back |access-date=January 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030175628/http://www.philippineparadisepages.com/news_details%26id%3D109 |archive-date=October 30, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

In an interview with Yes!, published in October 2011, in which Aunor was asked if she was bisexual, she replied that she may well be one.{{Cite web |first=Joyce |last=Jimenez |date=September 20, 2011 |title=Nora Aunor tells YES! maybe she's bisexual; reveals visiting Vilma Santos with flowers before |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/31147/nora-aunor-tells-yes-maybe-she39s-bisexual-reveals-visiting-vilma-santos-with-flowers-before |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250417050459/https://www.pep.ph/news/local/31147/nora-aunor-tells-yes-maybe-she39s-bisexual-reveals-visiting-vilma-santos-with-flowers-before |archive-date=April 17, 2025 |website=Philippine Entertainment Portal |language=tl |url-status=live |access-date=April 17, 2025 }}

Aunor died aged 71 on the night of April 16, 2025, at The Medical City Ortigas in Pasig. Aunor was confined at the hospital since April 10 and died due to acute respiratory failure after a medical procedure.{{cite news |title=Nora Aunor, superstar of Philippine cinema, passes away |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/4/16/nora-aunor-superstar-of-philippine-cinema-passes-away-2329 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=April 17, 2025}}{{cite news |title=Nora Aunor died of acute respiratory failure, says Ian de Leon |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/content/943174/nora-aunor-died-of-acute-respiratory-failure-says-ian-de-leon/story/ |access-date=18 April 2025 |work=GMA News |date=17 April 2025 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Nora Aunor didn't die during operation, son Ian de Leon clarifies |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/606229/nora-aunor-didnt-die-during-operation-son-ian-de-leon-clarifies |access-date=18 April 2025 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=18 April 2025 |language=en}} The National Commission for Culture and the Arts said that she would be accorded state memorial services,{{cite news |title=State necrological services set to be held for Nora Aunor |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/4/17/state-necrological-services-set-to-be-held-for-nora-aunor-0836 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=ABS-CBN News |date=April 17, 2025}} while a state funeral would be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the national cemetery.{{cite news |title=Nora Aunor to be laid to rest in Libingan ng mga Bayani |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/nora-aunor-internment-libingan-ng-mga-bayani/ |access-date=April 17, 2025 |work=Rappler |date=April 17, 2025}}

In 1983, Aunor was recognized as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service (TOWNS) in the Field of the Arts.{{cite web|url=http://www.towns.org.ph|title=The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service website|access-date=May 27, 2013|archive-date=February 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211041319/http://www.towns.org.ph/|url-status=dead}} In 1999, Aunor received the Centennial Honors for the Arts awarded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:BLOGGER}} She was the only film actress included in the list of awardees. In 2010, she was hailed by the Green Planet Movie Awards as one of the "10 Asian Best Actresses of the Decade".{{cite web|url=http://libre.com.ph/showbuzz/showbuzz-nation/3493-la-aunor-is-greatest-asian-actress-of-the-decade|title=La Aunor is 'Greatest Asian Actress of the Decade'|access-date=March 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325211314/http://www.libre.com.ph/showbuzz/showbuzz-nation/3493-la-aunor-is-greatest-asian-actress-of-the-decade|archive-date=March 25, 2010|url-status=dead}} She received the Ani ng Dangal Award (Harvest of Honors).{{cite news|work=The Philippine Star|url=http://www.philstar.com/arts-and-culture/2013/03/09/917669/philippines-best-artists-honored-5th-ani-ng-dangal|title=Philippines' best artists honored at 5th Ani ng Dangal|access-date=March 9, 2013|archive-date=March 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311160357/http://www.philstar.com/arts-and-culture/2013/03/09/917669/philippines-best-artists-honored-5th-ani-ng-dangal|url-status=live}} from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2013, 2014 and 2016. In 2013, she 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.{{cite news|work=The Philippine Star|url=http://www.philstar.com/education-and-home/2013/03/21/922192/light-culture-awards|title=Light of Culture Awards|access-date=March 25, 2013|archive-date=March 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327060143/http://www.philstar.com/education-and-home/2013/03/21/922192/light-culture-awards|url-status=live}} In 2014, Aunor was the recipient of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication's Gawad Plaridel Award.{{cite web|url=http://masscomm.upd.edu.ph/event/nora-aunor-2014-gawad-plaridel-recipient|title=NORA AUNOR, 2014 U.P. GAWAD PLARIDEL RECIPIENT|access-date=July 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721182349/http://masscomm.upd.edu.ph/event/nora-aunor-2014-gawad-plaridel-recipient|archive-date=July 21, 2014|url-status=dead}} On September 17, 2015, Aunor was conferred the Gawad CCP para sa Sining for Film and Broadcast Arts, the highest award given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.{{cite web|url=http://culturalcenter.gov.ph/press-room/2015-gawad-ccp-para-sa-sining-awardees-named/|title=2015 GAWAD CCP PARA SA SINING AWARDEES NAMED|access-date=September 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715113901/http://culturalcenter.gov.ph/press-room/2015-gawad-ccp-para-sa-sining-awardees-named/|archive-date=July 15, 2015|url-status=dead}} She was also conferred the Gusi Peace Prize in 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/20065/nora-aunor-honored-by-gusi-peace-prize-international-2015/story|title=Nora Aunor, honored by Gusi Peace Prize International 2015|website=GMA Network|access-date=August 18, 2019|archive-date=August 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818125934/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/20065/nora-aunor-honored-by-gusi-peace-prize-international-2015/story|url-status=live}}

In 2022, Aunor was conferred The Order of National Artists of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts.

• {{cite web|url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2022/6/11/national-artists-2022.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611040757/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/lifestyle/2022/6/11/national-artists-2022.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |title=Nora Aunor leads newest batch of National Artists |date=June 11, 2022 |accessdate=June 11, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/10/nora-aunor-7-others-lead-new-national-artists-for-2022/ |title=Nora Aunor, 7 others lead new National Artists for 2022 |website=Manila Bulletin |date=June 10, 2022 |accessdate=June 11, 2022}}

In 2023, a new species of Begonia, B.noraaunorae was named after Aunor as an honor to her various achievements in the entertainment industry.{{r|noraaunorae_Zenodo|}}{{r|noraaunorae_Phytotaxa|}}{{r|noraaunorae_Balita.net|}}

{{Main|Nora Aunor filmography}}

From the late 1960s onwards, Aunor made more than 180 films{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} in different genres, from musicals, comedy, romantic comedy, romance and Love story. Later on, she made films in other genres such as drama, biographical, film noir, action, thriller, horror and arthouse films.

She received recognition for the outstanding box-office performances of her films. She won the Philippine Box Office Queen Award in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

For being the consummate actor, Aunor received numerous national and international awards and nominations.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=previous citation removed per WP:IMDB}} She was the first Filipino actor to win an International acting award in a major Film Festival (Cairo 1995 for The Flor Contemplacion Story), along with several Best Actress awards from numerous international film festivals for Thy Womb, Dementia, Naglalayag, and Bakit May Kahapon Pa?. She was named Best Actress for Thy Womb at the Asian Film Awards and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and given the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 by the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards. She was directed by four Philippine National Artist Awardees: Gerardo de Leon (Fe, Esperanza, Caridad and Banaue: Stairway to the Sky), Lamberto Avellana (Fe, Esperanza, Caridad), Lino Brocka (Ina ka ng Anak Mo, Nakaw Na Pag-ibig, Bona), and Ishmael Bernal (Himala, Ikaw Ay Akin).

{{Main|Nora Aunor discography}}

Aunor released more than 360 singles and recorded over 200 songs and more than 50 albums. She had more than 30 gold singles, and with an estimated gross sales of one million units, her 1971 cover of "Pearly Shells" stands as one of the biggest-selling singles in Philippine music history. In 2010, while undergoing a cosmetic procedure in Japan as part of an endorsement for a clinic, she experienced complications that affected her vocal cords. As a result, she suffered paralysis of her left vocal cord, which impacted her ability to sing.{{cite news|work=ABS-CBN News|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/25/10/will-nora-aunor-file-lawsuit-over-botched-surgery|title=Is Nora Aunor a victim of botched surgery?|access-date=August 8, 2017|archive-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808115921/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/25/10/will-nora-aunor-file-lawsuit-over-botched-surgery|url-status=live}}

Aunor started her career in television when she was given her own musical show via Nora-Eddie Show, with singer and former Tawag ng Tanghalan Champion Eddie Peregrina. The show later became, The Nora Aunor Show and eventually was re-titled Superstar.{{cite news|work=The Philippine Star|url=http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2017/03/15/1681060/50-years-nora-aunor|title=50 years of Nora Aunor|access-date=August 8, 2017|archive-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808143428/http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2017/03/15/1681060/50-years-nora-aunor|url-status=live}}

Aunor was heard and guested in Fiesta Extravaganza and in the long running afternoon radio program of German Moreno (The Germiside Show where he had a Guy and Pip portion) and only songs of Aunor and Tirso Cruz were played over and over again from 2 to 3 pm every Sunday aired via DZMM.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}

Aunor performed in three plays: Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1991), DH (Domestic Helper) in 1992,{{cite web |url=http://acephine.multiply.com/reviews/item/36 |title='DH': NORA AUNOR TIMES FOUR |access-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095624/http://acephine.multiply.com/reviews/item/36/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }} and The Trojan Women (1994). The first two were staged by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and helmed by Socrates Topacio, then PETA's artistic head. Rody Vera penned the stage adaptation of Gamu-Gamo while renowned screenwriter Ricky Lee created DH. PETA toured both plays in North America, Europe, and Hong Kong. The third play, a Filipino adaptation of Euripides' immortal tragedy, was produced by Cecille Guidote-Alvarez's theater company, directed by a Greek national, and staged at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife.{{cite web |url=http://acephine.multiply.com/reviews/item/37 |title=AUNOR's "DH": A MUST by Doreen G. Fernandez |access-date=January 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081830/http://acephine.multiply.com/reviews/item/37/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/165038/nora-aunor-on-stage-where-she-was-just-as-stellar|title=Nora Aunor on stage–where she was just as stellar|access-date=July 27, 2014|archive-date=July 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725091114/http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/165038/nora-aunor-on-stage-where-she-was-just-as-stellar|url-status=live}}

At the peak of her career, Aunor was the top product endorser for television, print, and radio advertisements. The sales of Dial bath soap, for instance, shot up after Aunor endorsed it. Originally imported from the US, Dial soap first catered the upscale markets. When it was eventually manufactured locally, it courted the mass market by making Aunor its product endorser. Aunor appeared in a television commercial of Dial soap taking a shower and singing, "Aren't you glad you used Dial?". The television commercial proved successful as sales of Dial soap went up, and the masses, which comprise the bulk of her fans, patronized Dial soap.{{cite web |url=http://www.newsflash.org/2002/05/sb/sb002202.htm |title=SOAP COMMERCIALS THROUGH THE YEARS |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213113/http://www.newsflash.org/2002/05/sb/sb002202.htm |url-status=live }}

Aunor endorsed many local and international brands.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025|reason=rm superstarstruck.weebly.com is a fan blog per WP:BLOG}}{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94AH8quOgFs |title=Nora Aunor for Colgate |website=YouTube |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-date=December 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218220651/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94AH8quOgFs |url-status=live }}

{{unreferenced section|date=April 2025}}

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Nora Aunor}}

File:02933jfMowelfund Plaza Museum Film Institute Zamboanga Quezon Cityfvf 16.jpg Museum]]

File:Nora Aunor 2022 stamp of the Philippines.jpg

Aunor was awarded, recognized and received multiple nominations from different organizations, academe, institutions, critics and award giving bodies for her work in film, television, music and theater. She is the most nominated actress for the leading role in the long history of FAMAS Awards, having nominated 17 times since 1973 when she was first nominated for A Gift of Love but only second to Eddie Garcia with 23 nominations both in leading and supporting role.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}

With her fifth FAMAS Award for Best Actress in 1991, Aunor became the sixth performer to be elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame joining the likes of Eddie Garcia, Joseph Estrada, Charito Solis, Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos. This award is given to those who have won more than five award in its particular category. She is also the only performer in the history of FAMAS Awards to be nominated for 15 straight years from 1973 to 1987.

Aunor had more international best actress awards and nominations more than any other Filipino actor. She is the only Filipino actress who has won international awards from five different continents. 19th Cairo International Film Festival in 1995 (Africa), first East Asia Film and Television Award in 1997 and Asian Film Awards in 2013 (Asia), 31st Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bruxelles in 2004 and Premio Della Critica Indipendiente in 2013 (Europe), Asia Pacific Screen Award in 2013 (Australia) and from the Green Planet Movie Award (North America). Among Filipino actors, she had the most Lifetime Achievement Awards received locally and internationally for her contribution in film, television, music, and theater.

{{Main|Nora Aunor discography}}

In 1968, Aunor was contracted by Alpha Records on the recommendation of singer Carmen Soriano. Although Aunor's first singles were not major hits, she subsequently went on to break local record sales with songs including It's Time to Say Goodbye, Silently, Forever Loving You, It's Not Unusual. In her seven years with Alpha Records, Aunor was able to set all-time record sales.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ng8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52 |title=Billboard Magazine December 18, 1971 |date=December 18, 1971 |access-date=February 6, 2013 |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421194045/https://books.google.com/books?id=Ng8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA52 |url-status=live }}

At the height of her popularity as a recording artist in the late 1960's and early 1970's, local records soared up to 60% of national sales according to Alpha Records Philippines.{{cite book |url=http://www.alphamusic.ph/profile.html |title=ALPHA MUSIC CORPORATION |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725104317/http://www.alphamusic.ph/profile.html |archive-date=July 25, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

She was the artist with the most singles in Philippine recording history (with more than 260 singles). Over-all she recorded more than 500 songs. She achieved more than 30 gold singles, a record in the local music industry. With estimated sales of one million units, Aunor's cover of "Pearly Shells" (1971) is one of the biggest-selling singles in the Philippines ever. She recorded some 46 hit long-playing albums, and several extended plays.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yygEAAAAMBAJ&q=nora+aunor&pg=RA1-PA42 |title=Billboard Magazine February 26, 1972 |date=February 26, 1972 |access-date=February 6, 2013 |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421194046/https://books.google.com/books?id=yygEAAAAMBAJ&q=nora+aunor&pg=RA1-PA42 |url-status=live }}

{{Main list|Nora Aunor filmography}}

{{reflist|refs=

{{Cite web |title=Begonia noraaunorae Blasco, Tandang, Alejandro & Rubite 2023, sp. nov. - Plazi TreatmentBank |url=https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03AFDF2D2B3FFF838EEFFA75D1999560 |access-date=December 21, 2023 |website=treatment.plazi.org |language=en}}

{{Cite journal |last1=Blasco |first1=Freddie A. |last2=Tandang |first2=Danilo N. |last3=Alejandro |first3=Grecebio Jonathan D. |last4=Bucay |first4=Mark Angelo C. |last5=Cortes |first5=Junelito C. |last6=Rubite |first6=Rosario R. |date=October 13, 2023 |title=Begonia noraaunorae (section Petermannia, Begoniaceae) a new species endemic to Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines |url=https://phytotaxa.mapress.com/pt/article/view/phytotaxa.620.2.8 |journal=Phytotaxa |language=en |volume=620 |issue=2 |pages=193–197 |doi=10.11646/phytotaxa.620.2.8 |bibcode=2023Phytx.620..193B |s2cid=264051814 |issn=1179-3163}}

{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2023 |title=3 bagong species ng 'Begonia,' nadiskubre sa Luzon, Mindanao |url=https://balita.net.ph/2023/11/02/3-bagong-species-ng-begonia-nadiskubre-sa-luzon-mindanao/ |access-date=December 21, 2023 |website=Balita - Tagalog Newspaper Tabloid |language=en-US}}

}}

{{Commons category|Nora Aunor}}

• [https://carvin11.wixsite.com/artistryofnoraaunor The Artistry of Nora Aunor]
• {{IMDb name|id=0042124}}
• {{TCMDb name|id=7002%7C0}}
• {{Discogs artist|Nora Aunor}}

{{National Artists of the Philippines}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Awards for Nora Aunor

| list =

{{Asian Film Award for Best Actress}}

{{Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Actress}}

{{Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival}}

{{FAMAS Hall of Fame Award}}

{{FAMAS Award for Best Actress}}

{{Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress}}

{{Young Critics Circle Award for Best Performance}}

{{FAP Award for Best Actress}}

{{PMPC Star Awards for Best Actress - Movies}}

{{Metro Manila Film Festival}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aunor, Nora}}

Category:1953 births

Category:2025 deaths

Category:20th-century Filipino actresses

Category:20th-century Filipino musicians

Category:21st-century Filipino actresses

Category:ABS-CBN people

Category:Actresses from Camarines Sur

Category:Actresses from Manila

Category:Asia Pacific Screen Award winners

Category:Best Actress Asian Film Award winners

Category:Bicolano actors

Category:Contraltos

Category:Filipino child actresses

Category:Filipino expatriates in the United States

Category:Filipino film actresses

Category:Filipino television actresses

Category:Filipino television personalities

Category:Filipino women comedians

Category:Filipino women pop singers

Category:GMA Network (company) people

Category:Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation personalities

Category:People from Iriga

Category:Radio Philippines Network personalities

Category:Singers from Camarines Sur

Category:TV5 Network people

Category:Bicolano people

Category:Deaths from respiratory failure