Did You Know? Meryl Streep Is a Fan of This Filipino Filmmaker's Work

The Devil Wears Prada 2 has made a monumental splash at the box office during its premiere weekend. The much-awaited sequel to the 2006 chick flick has amassed $77 million in the U.S. and Canada and $156.6 million internationally, officially making it the biggest movie of the season. In the Philippines, it marks the biggest opening weekend of 2026 so far.

For reprising her role as the franchise's titular "devil," Meryl Streep also makes history with the biggest opening of her career. With decades of culture-defining roles under her belt, the 76-year-old continues to prove why she's heavily regarded as the greatest actress of our time.

Meryl has long been a supporter of cinema from around the globe. When she's not in front of the camera, she also occasionally takes part in film festivals as a juror.

In fact, did you know that she was one of the decision-makers who awarded a Filipino film a well-deserved prize at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival? Read on.

Exactly a decade ago, a troop of Filipino filmmakers and actors presented Hele Sa Hiawagang Hapis at the cross-cultural festival. With indie director Lav Diaz at the helm, the historical drama gained critical acclaim from jurors and viewers, Meryl included! The film, which was a retelling of national hero Andres Bonifacio's demise, starred a powerhouse cast comprised of John Lloyd Cruz, Piolo Pascual, Susan Africa, Angel Aquino, and the late Cherie Gil, among others.

In a 2016 interview, Lav recalled his brief interaction with Meryl after screening the movie. "She’s cool. Very generous siya. She approached us, and she kissed the actors. Mabait siya," he shared.

"She was talking to me for a long, long time. She was telling [that] me when she saw the film, she felt very sad because she thought of the old days of making cinema. They had patience, time; ngayon daw nagmamadali na lahat. She was very, very nostalgic and sad. And she loved the film. She said she will watch it again in the US," he added in detail.

Meryl herself was quoted praising the movie for its themes and construction. Recognizing Lav's work as the project's head honcho, she expressed: “This film. This guy. He changed the [molecular] system in my body.” Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis eventually went on to win the sought-after Alfred Bauer Prize at the festival.

Reflecting on the film, Lav was honored to have worked with big industry players, who each trusted his vision for such a distinct ordeal. "Malaking bagay na yun e, yung binigay nila talagang open heartedly. It's a whole-hearted na pagtulong," he expressed.