Ruby Ruiz is receiving an outpouring of support and praises from fellow celebrities and netizens after her lead film First Light was chosen as Australia’s official entry for the 2027 Academy Awards.
It was on September 10 when the debut feature film by James J. Robinson was announced as Australia’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Australian Oscar selection committee described the film as “a meditative work about an aging woman who questions her faith as her world begins to crumble around her, leaving an indelible mark.”
The committee also praised James for “an impressive debut that is a shining example of Australian filmmaking.”
The selection also marks a historic milestone as First Light becomes the first-ever Filipino-Australian co-production and the first Tagalog-language film to be submitted by Australia for the prestigious award giving body.
In First Light, Ruby takes on her first international lead role as Sister Yolanda, an elderly nun whose life has long been guided by discipline, service, and faith.
Sister Yolanda’s world changes after a young construction worker dies under suspicious circumstances, leading her into a dangerous world involving crime and corruption.
Apart from Ruby, the film also features a full Filipino cast that includes Maricel Soriano, Kare Adea, Rez Cortez, and Philippine National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik.
Following the film’s selection, several celebrities took to social media to celebrate Ruby and the entire team behind First Light.
“Amaaaaazing!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Congratulations Tita @rubyruizzz and to the entire team!!!! ❤️❤️❤️,” Iza Calzado wrote in Instagram comments.
“👏👏👏👏👏 waaaaa congrats ate @rubyruizzz LABAN!!!! 🙏🏼,” actress-comedian Pokwang also commented.
“congrats cupcake idol ka talaga 🥳🥰❤️🧁👏🙏👍⭐️🇵🇭 @rubyruizzz,” Gardo Versoza added.
“Proud of you always,” wrote actor Luis Alandy on Facebook.
More celebrities including Dennis Trillo, Sofia Andres, Arron Villaflor, and Kakai Bautista also wrote congratulatory messages for the actress.
Netizens also joined in celebrating the achievement on X and Facebook.
“FIRST LIGHT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED FOR OSCARS?!?! GRABE KA TALAGA RUBY RUIZ!!!🥹,” one user posted.
“Absolutely INSANE scenes!! Congrats!!!” a netizen wrote.
“RUBY RUIZ WORLD DOMINATION IS NOW!!!!” another posted.
Ruby, meanwhile, shared her own excitement over the news, giving credit to everyone involved in bringing the film to life.
“Waaaaaaaaa!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS @james.pdf & to all of us in the team 👏👏👏👏👏👏,” she wrote in the comments.
marrakechfilmfestival / Instagram
During an interview last June, Ruby opened about the story of First Light and how she believes it reflects realities in the world today.
“It’s about the awakening of a mother who, for me, is like a normal Filipino. She’s not that smart, but she feels it. She sees what’s wrong and right,” she shared.
Although much of the story takes place inside a convent, Ruby explained that the film tackles broader social issues and runs “parallel” with what is happening in the country right now.
The project also became personal for Ruby as it gave her a renewed perspective on her faith, religion, and spirituality.
“It reinforced and reappeared my faith in God in a different way,” she explained. “It’s about awakening vis-à-vis faith, belief in religion, belief in God, and the dilemma between those things. I think we all go through that.”
Playing Sister Yolanda also pushed Ruby into a different kind of performance, as the role called for a more restrained approach.
“This is my first nun role. It’s also very restrained acting because that is the rhythm of the film,” she said.
First Light first premiered at the 2025 Melbourne International Film Festival, where it competed in the Bright Horizons competition. James won the $50,000 Blackmagic Design Best Australian Director Award at the time.
It went on to be featured in more international film festivals, including the Marrakech International Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, Shanghai International Film Festival, Glasgow Film Festival, and New Zealand International Film Festival.
The film eventually premiered in the Philippines in June 2026.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to announce the 15-film shortlist for the International Feature Film category on December 15, while the five nominees will be revealed on January 21, 2027.
The 99th Academy Awards will be held on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.