Maricel Soriano (Tagalog: [mɐɾɪˈsel soɾˈjano]; born Maria Cecilia Dador Soriano; February 25, 1965) is a Filipino actress and television personality. Referred to as the "Diamond Star", she is particularly known for her intense style of acting and versatility across film and television in the Philippines. Soriano achieved greater success in her dramatic and comedic performances and became a leading box-office star in the late 80s to mid 90s. She has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career spanning over five decades, including three Asian Television Awards, five FAMAS Awards, three Luna Awards, thirteen Box Office Entertainment Awards and ten Star Awards for Television. Soriano began a career as a child actress, debuting in the 1971 film My Heart Belongs to Daddy. She went on to appear in several supporting roles in the 1970s, winning her first acting award at the 9th Manila Tagalog Film Festival as "Best Child Actress" for her performance in the film Alaala Mo, Daigdig Ko (1973) and as Shirley Puruntong in the longest running Philippine sitcom John en Marsha (1973-1991). She received her first FAMAS Award nomination at age 14 in the film Yakuza Contract (1978). In the early 80s, she was launched as one of the first Regal Babies and appeared in blockbuster films throughout the decade such as Inday Bote (1985), Batang Quiapo (1986) and Babaing Hampaslupa (1989). She remained visible in television through her drama anthologies Maricel Regal Drama Special (1987-1990) and The Maricel Drama Special (1990-1997). She received fifteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the FAMAS Awards, thirteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the Luna Awards, sixteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the Star Awards for Movies, eight 'Best Actress' nominations at the Gawad Urian Awards and eight 'Best Actress' nominations at the Metro Manila Film Festival for her acclaimed portrayals in films such as Separada (1994), Soltera (1999), Abandonada (2000), Filipinas (2003) and Inang Yaya (2006) among others. She was inducted at the Eastwood City Walk of Fame for her significant contributions to Philippine film and television.