Nostalgia, rising stars and four gongs for Christopher Lee at Star Awards' 30th anniversary show
To mark its three-decade milestone, the show pulled out all the stops, with a stroll down the memory lane of iconic theme songs via a live orchestra, a performance by songstress Kit Chan, appearances by Hong Kong superstars Chow Yun Fat and Sean Lau, and a towering Star Awards trophy on the red carpet 30 times the size of the real thing.
Hosted by Guo Liang together with Chantalle Ng taking on a hosting role for the first time, the show's theme, 'Walking Through Time Together' celebrated the moments and faces in drama history that made lasting impressions in fans' minds and hearts.
The event felt like a reunion of sorts as actors long retired from the screen like Huang Shi Nan, Tracer Wong and Bernard Tan took to the red carpet; while All-Time Favourite Artistes throughout the years gathered on stage, including Ann Kok, Mark Lee, Vivian Lai, Tay Ping Hui and Fann Wong.
Meanwhile, this year's All-Time Favourite Artistes, Yvonne Lim and Pornsak, collected their long-awaited trophies after having won 10 Top 10 Favourite Artistes awards through the years.
Pornsak quipped that he wanted to thank dish soap brand Mama Lemon as the exposure he gained from starring in their advertisement had paid for his housing and his master's degree for the last 14 years.
Lim, who marked her return to Singapore after spending the last 10 years in Taiwan by walking the red carpet with her husband and two children, teared up as she talked about her late mother in her acceptance speech, saying, 'The person I've missed the most for the last 35 years – do you see this? I love you.' She added, 'The best award is not in my hands but in my heart.'
Best Supporting Actor winner Chen Hanwei (Unforgivable) also remembered his mum, telling media backstage, 'Whenever I've won an award, I've always told her about it. But, now that she's gone, I can't. I'm wearing the ring she gave me, and I hope she knows.'
The big winner of the night was Christopher Lee, who was named Best Actor for his work in the thriller Kill Sera Sera; in addition, his variety show Dishing With Chris Lee S2 earned him the Best Programme Host and Best Entertainment Programme awards.
Lee, whose career is 30 years old just like the Star Awards, was also honoured with a Special Achievement Award for his contributions to local entertainment over the years.
Visibly surprised at clinching Best Actor, Lee quipped to the media backstage: 'Like what my wife said all those years ago on stage: 'What award should I get next year?'' He guffawed. 'I never thought I would get all these awards. I'd like to thank the audience for watching my shows,' he added.
In his on-stage speech, he thanked wife Fann Wong, saying, 'You are my motivation.' He also thanked Singapore viewers, saying, 'Without you, I wouldn't be here. I will continue to work for you.'
Jessica Hsuan, who starred opposite Lee in Kill Sera Sera, was named Best Actress for her intense turn as a grieving mother, a role she described as 'the darkest I've taken on in many years. My emotions every day of filming were so bleak,' she said. 'I thank the viewers who enjoyed my performance in this role. I hope to continue acting well into my old age.'
An emotional Cynthia Koh received the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as a dedicated mum in Hope Afloat, her first win after six nominations. 'In the last few years I went home empty-handed and I've been very disappointed. But this year, I'm very happy,' she said.
Emerald Hill's Tyler Ten went home with two awards: Best Rising Star and Most Popular Rising Star. In his acceptance speeches, he thanked fans and mentor Chen Hanwei. How is he planning to celebrate? With chocolate cake, he said, as he'd been on a strict Star Awards diet.
In the popularity categories, Romeo Tan and Carrie Wong collected their 10th Top 10 Most Popular Artistes trophies, clinching them next year's All-time Favourite Artiste awards; while first time award winners were Benjamin Tan, Gao Mei Gui and Richie Koh.
How did they spend their time on stage? By taking wefies with Chow Yun Fat, of course.
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