Latest news with #StarAwards2025
New Paper
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Star Awards 2025: The 11 red carpet looks that caught the eye
It was tasteful, if a touch restrained, on the Star Awards 2025 red carpet. The 30th edition of local entertainment's biggest night had promised spectacle, but the artistes in attendance on July 6 overwhelmingly opted for trusty suits - mostly in penguin colours, though some dared a navy - safely pretty black dresses, lucky red ones and standard sequinned gowns. It felt like sober good sense taking over in the third decade of the awards show, teased by backstage pictures of the stars sipping bird's nest tonics from little flasks supplied by celebrity hairstylist David Gan. The upshot was competent, even relaxed looks, with few misfires. Fight through the polite applause and one might find interest in the details: host Quan Yi Fong's windswept tromp l'oeil tie, newbie Tiffany Ho's clover-shaped "bib" or actor Desmond Tan passing off a tassel for a tie. And with the likes of actors Li Nanxing, Sharon Au and Jeanette Aw making their Walk Of Fame comebacks, there was enough going on to keep oglers occupied. A new crop of actors from the hit series Emerald Hill (2025), as yet too fresh to keep it chill, also turned up the heat. Here are the most memorable hits and misses from the annual extravaganza. Tasha Low Like a true clothes horse, Low made no concession to the weather in this feathered Chanel jacket and skirt set. The charmeuse top, with its jewelled buttons, gave a sense of occasion. The spring green was bright, without being timid. The matching jacquard skirt with a Chanel camellia motif was faultless. Her Chinese period drama-esque hairdo might have tipped the look into costume, if not for the flash of those black velvet platform boots. All in all, a rock star look from the Emerald Hill star. Chantalle Ng Here was another Emerald Hill lead - and Low's bestie - looking to make an impression. Ng's divisive, barely there chainmail dress of 2023, and sports bra-flashing, white overlay fishing net number in 2024, showed her admirable scorn for quiet dressing. This time, she finally nailed it in her most conservative look yet. Her strapless white gown was a busy one, with ruffles round the bust, waist and fringing a fluffy-looking train. Look closer and some boning is visible in the bodice, as well as a charming criss-cross pattern in the skirt. Ng gets props for holding it all together, without looking too bridal. Zoe Tay Ah Jie made a queenly entrance in Chanel. With hair slicked back, in a floor-grazing black coat - naturally made of tweed - and a controlled explosion of flowers embroidered on the collar, she looked every bit the matriarch of Mediacorp. It was welcome relief from the ruddy dresses Tay reached for in 2023 and 2024. But do not mistake her for severe now - she still swished her coat playfully for the cameras and capped off the look with a fun pair of velvet and mirror platform sandals. Jeanette Aw Singaporean actresses Jeanette Aw (right) and Jesseca Liu walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO After a six-year break from the silver screen, Aw is making a leading lady TV comeback in 2026. For her red carpet return, she went for a prim Shushu/Tong number, with a flat bow detail on the neckline that added a dash of girlish sweetness. The woollen weight and full-hipped silhouette kept it classy. Her towering stiletto heels and crocodile-shaped open necklace added a welcome pinch of danger. Fann Wong Actress Fann Wong and her husband Christopher Lee at the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Wong famously turned up at the 2003 Star Awards in sneakers, a cropped top and ultra-loud floral red knee-length pants. Those who hoped she might reprise that spirit might be disappointed to learn she has retired from wacky, if her all-white look was anything to go by. But it was gauche to quibble. Her simple shift dress fell perfectly to her feet and, with only the most sparing of accessories - a thick silver bracelet, earrings and a thin necklace - she proved less is more. Chen Liping Chen Liping walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Chen arrived like a Roald Dahl character - specifically, the giant peach in James And The Giant Peach. Her linebacker shoulders in a pleated orange top, with an exposed zipper no less, was the most flammable look of the night. Still, it was difficult to say what clothes could carry the energy of the beloved on-screen teacher known as Aiyoyo, who somehow managed to overpower her screeching garb, looking easy-breezy above the noise. Li Nanxing Singaporean actress Zoe Tay and actor Li Nanxing on the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Ah Ge Li Nanxing was the one to watch on awards night as he made his long-awaited return to the ceremony. He could have come in the national service admin tee and it would not have made a difference, but he played nice and went for a baggy suit. His yellow-tinted sunglasses and metallic corsage - a brooch shaped like a spray of flowers - capped off the mob boss look. Ya Hui Singaporean actress Ya Hui walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO She dared to experiment with a denim fishtail dress. Alas, the intrepid actress was foiled by the casual-looking wash of the jeans, the randomness of her elbow-length black gloves and the truly bizarre lone silver bangle on one wrist. It might have been worth it if she could move in it, but the well-loved star was seen grappling with her skirt, stalled before the stairs up to the venue by the stiff material and awkward length. Xiang Yun (From left) Host Hazelle Teo, host-actor Guo Liang, actress Xiang Yun and actor Chen Shucheng at the Star Awards at Mediacorp on July 6. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The veteran actress is not one to shy from colour. In 2023, she went full highlighter in a fluorescent yellow number. This year, she opted for fuchsia. But if her neon look two years ago worked because of its considered structure, her rosy collared dress this year was undone by its Office Lady sensibility. Think three-quarter sleeves, flared skirt and a sorrowfully misshapen bow tacked onto the waist. A haphazard ponytail that could only have been hastily done inspired the present suspicion - perhaps, she had not meant to attend. Pierre Png Actors Xu Bin (left) and Pierre Png walking the red carpet at the Star Awards ceremony at Mediacorp on July 6. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO The Crazy Rich Asians (2018) heart-throb and best supporting actor nominee rolled up in an all-black paisley printed suit - and bedhead. Maybe it was an adventurous hairstyling choice, but the cowlick visible from behind suggested ambivalence. Then again, with nearly 30 years in the dog and pony show of show business, Png might be forgiven for taking a nap. Elvin Ng Mr Bandung - so named for his infamous pink ombre get-up circa 2021 - ditched the strictures of a suit altogether this time, favouring a belted cool grey jumpsuit, unzipped to mid-chest. His popped collar, silver ear studs, gold brooch and a wispy forelock added some glamour. But otherwise, his elevated loungewear looked the most comfortable of the night.
New Paper
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Chow Yun Fat returns to Star Awards after three decades
Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat will be gracing the Star Awards 2025 ceremony on July 6 as an award presenter. Three decades ago, the veteran actor was a celebrity guest at the inaugural ceremony in 1994, where he presented awards to the winners of the Top 5 Most Popular Male Artistes. During the show, he noted that local actor Li Nanxing resembled him, and said: "Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more." Chow, 70, has won three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor and two Golden Horse Awards for Best Actor. He also received the prestigious Asian Film-maker of the Year accolade at the Busan International Film Festival in 2023, in recognition of his significant contributions to the advancement of the Asian film industry and culture. Joining the A-list line-up at Star Awards 2025 is another Hong Kong thespian, Sean Lau. The 61-year-old previously attended the 2000 edition, where he read out the winners of the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes. Veteran Hong Kong actor Sean Lau is also set to make an appearance at the Star Awards 2025. PHOTO: KK EMPIRE To celebrate its 30th anniversary, 2025's theme is Walking Through Time Together, and the live show will showcase a time capsule of local entertainment history. Star Awards did not take place in 2020 and 2008. The upcoming edition is set to be its most star-studded, with more than 200 celebrities expected to attend, including Zoe Tay, Li Nanxing, Fann Wong, Chen Liping, Huang Biren, Tay Ping Hui, Rebecca Lim, Jeanette Aw, Jesseca Liu, Yvonne Lim and Sharon Au. Local singer Kit Chan will take the stage to perform a medley of songs from memorable series over the years. Most recently, the 52-year-old helmed the Mandarin ballad Echoes Of Petals, the theme song of period drama Emerald Hill - The Little Nyonya Story (2025). Singaporean singer Kit Chan will be performing at the Star Awards. PHOTO: BANSHEE PRODUCTIONS In addition, Star Awards 2025 will see local actress Chantalle Ng making her hosting debut alongside seasoned compere Guo Liang, who will be hosting the event for the 16th time, more than anyone else to date. Ng, 30, is also up for Best Actress for her role as a para swimmer in the drama Hope Afloat (2024). She was previously nominated in the category in 2022 and 2024, but did not win. Star Awards 2025 will take place at The Theatre at Mediacorp and will air on Channel 8 and Channel U, mewatch and the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel from 7 to 10pm. There will also be a red carpet pre-show from 5 to 6.30pm, which will be presented by a fashion squad consisting of Mediacorp artistes Herman Keh and Denise Camillia Tan, together with Love 972 DJ Dennis Chew and Yes 933 DJ Hazelle Teo. The Backstage Live behind-the-scenes livestream takes place from 3.30 to 10pm, and a Post-Awards Party from 10 to 10.30pm. Both will air on mewatch and the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel.
New Paper
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
'I consider Chow Yun Fat more a friend than an idol': Li Nanxing
For Singaporean actor Li Nanxing, attending Star Awards 2025 on July 6 after a 10-year absence was a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues. But the most memorable reunion came in the form of the 30th anniversary edition's special guest, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, who was on hand to present awards - just like how he did at the inaugural ceremony in 1994. Back then, Chow famously remarked that Li resembled him, adding: "Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more." At Star Awards 2025, Chow, 70, called out 60-year-old Li's name twice while onstage, when he rallied the local actors in the audience from the 1994 batch to go onstage for a wefie. Li was also the first artiste to receive a hug from Chow. Li said it was the pair's first reunion since 1994, but they did not get to chat offstage as Chow was "very busy". Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (left) giving Singaporean actor Li Nanxing a hug during the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT - MEDIACORP/YOUTUBE Li recalled: "So many people wanted to take a photo with him, and I felt so lucky to have been called. "I have always looked up to Chow and have seen so many of his movies. In some ways, I did try to learn from him. So for him to remember me three decades later, it meant a lot to me. I consider him more a friend than an idol." Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (in white suit, in foreground) during the Star Awards on July 6, taking a wefie with stars who attended the first edition of Star Awards in 1994. PHOTO: MEDIACORP Li was speaking to The Straits Times on July 14 at the new Jurong Point outlet of home-grown restaurant brand Nan Yang Dao, which official opens on July 25. At the event, he unveiled two limited-time collaborative dishes that feature his LNX Dried Scallop Hae Bee Hiam - Hae Bee Hiam XO Penang Char Kway Teow With Double Egg ($12.80) and Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns ($12.80). Li launched his hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp sambal) brand in 2021, and it was improved in 2024 with richer shrimp and scallop flavours. Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Li also revealed more about how he plans to celebrate his 40 years in showbiz, after debuting in the 1986 Chinese-language drama Crossroads. On Nov 29, he will hold a 40th anniversary event in Shanghai, China, with an estimated 800 fans, including those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He also plans to join a Huangpu River Cruise to admire the nighttime scenery together with attendees of an eight-day Jiangnan Gourmet Autumn Tour, departing from Singapore on Nov 23 and organised by local tour agency SA Tours. During the event, he might shake fans' hands, sign autographs and even belt out a number or two. "It all depends on what requests they have. Maybe it is to sing some theme songs or act out certain roles? I just want to thank my fans for their support all these years. "Did you know many fans in China like Mediacorp dramas?" he shared, namedropping his period drama The Great Conspiracy (1993), which was partly filmed in the Chinese province of Shanxi and in which he played Shen Chong, a killer skilled in martial arts. Li added: "In China, old televisions series are often replayed. I was once welcomed by Chinese fans with banners saying 'Shen Chong is back', and they told me they had seen the show on television just a few years ago." "Other fans in China who watched it when it first aired are now aunties. But they bring their children and grandchildren - three generations - to see me, and it is great. They give me lots of local products, such as tea and peanuts, and I have to book a van to take all of it back to my hotel." Reflecting on his four-decade career, Li shared that there were lows, like when viewers made "hurtful" comments about him portraying villains in dramas such as Coup De Scorpion (1999). In any case, acting has taught him much about life, while allowing him space to play and experiment. He recently played a cash-strapped single father in the family drama Uniquely Ours (2024), and will return to the small screen as a disgraced doctor in dystopian thriller series The Leftovers, set to premiere in October 2026. Outside of the entertainment industry, Li remains passionate about his other businesses. He established artiste management company LNX Global in 2003, which manages actresses Constance Song and Vivian Lai, actor Shane Pow, UFM100.3 DJ Luo Kemin and actress-influencer Julie Tan. In 2021, he opened dessert shop Tian Wang, now located in Keong Saik Road, where he has been spotted playing cashier and waiter. In addition, he has collaborated with other F&B businesses over the years, such as Chinese hotpot chain Chamoon Hot Pot on a bak kut teh broth in 2024, and casual restaurant chain Yun Nans on a number of spring menu dishes in 2021. He said: "I love cooking. And food is something I feel very strongly for, especially Nanyang cuisine, which has a distinctive Singaporean flavour. I love going to other countries to spread awareness about our food. And whether it is in food, acting or life, there is still a lot more to learn, experience and enjoy."
The Star
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Singaporean actor Li Nanxing on reuniting with Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards
For Singaporean actor Li Nanxing, attending Star Awards 2025 on July 6 after a 10-year absence was a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues. But the most memorable reunion came in the form of the 30th anniversary edition's special guest, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, who was on hand to present awards – just like he did at the inaugural ceremony in 1994. Back then, Chow famously remarked that Li resembled him, adding: 'Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more.' At Star Awards 2025, Chow, 70, called out 60-year-old Li's name twice, when he rallied local actors from the 1994 batch to go onstage for a wefie. Li was also the first artiste to receive a hug from Chow. Li said it was the pair's first reunion since 1994, but they did not get to chat offstage as Chow was 'very busy'. Li recalled: 'So many people wanted to take a photo with him, and I felt so lucky to have been called. 'I have always looked up to Chow and have seen so many of his movies. In some ways, I did try to learn from him. So for him to remember me three decades later, it meant a lot to me. I consider him more a friend than an idol.' Li was speaking to The Straits Times on July 14 at the new Jurong Point outlet of home-grown restaurant brand Nan Yang Dao, which officially opens on July 25. Li revealed more of his plans to celebrate his 40 years in showbiz, after debuting in the 1986 Chinese-language drama Crossroads. On Nov 29, he will hold a 40th anniversary event in Shanghai, China, with an estimated 800 fans, including those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He also plans to join a Huangpu River Cruise to admire the nighttime scenery together with attendees of an eight-day Jiangnan Gourmet Autumn Tour, departing from Singapore on Nov 23 and organised by local tour agency SA Tours. During the event, he might shake fans' hands, sign autographs and even belt out a number or two. 'It all depends on what requests they have. Maybe it is to sing some theme songs or act out certain roles? I just want to thank my fans for their support all these years. 'Did you know many fans in China like Mediacorp dramas?' he shared, namedropping his period drama The Great Conspiracy (1993), which was partly filmed in the Chinese province of Shanxi and in which he played Shen Chong, a killer skilled in martial arts. Li added: 'In China, old television series are often replayed. I was once welcomed by Chinese fans with banners saying 'Shen Chong is back', and they told me they had seen the show on television just a few years ago.' 'Other fans in China who watched it when it first aired are now aunties. But they bring their children and grandchildren – three generations – to see me, and it is great. They give me lots of local products, such as tea and peanuts, and I have to book a van to take all of it back to my hotel.' Reflecting on his four-decade career, Li said there were lows, like when viewers made 'hurtful' comments about him portraying villains in dramas such as Coup De Scorpion (1999). In any case, acting has taught him much about life, while allowing him space to play and experiment. He recently played a cash-strapped single father in the family drama Uniquely Ours (2024), and will return to the small screen as a disgraced doctor in dystopian thriller series The Leftovers , set to premiere in October 2026. Outside of the entertainment industry, Li remains passionate about his other businesses. He established artiste management company LNX Global in 2003, which manages actresses Constance Song and Vivian Lai, actor Shane Pow, UFM100.3 DJ Luo Kemin and actress-influencer Julie Tan. In 2021, he opened dessert shop Tian Wang, now located in Keong Saik Road, where he has been spotted playing cashier and waiter. In addition, he has collaborated with other F&B businesses over the years, such as Chinese hotpot chain Chamoon Hot Pot on a bak kut teh broth in 2024, and casual restaurant chain Yun Nans on a number of spring menu dishes in 2021. He said: 'I love cooking. And food is something I feel very strongly about, especially Nanyang cuisine, which has a distinctive Singaporean flavour. I love going to other countries to spread awareness about our food. And whether it is in food, acting or life, there is still a lot more to learn, experience and enjoy.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Li Nanxing on reuniting with Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards: ‘I consider him more a friend than an idol'
SINGAPORE – For Singaporean actor Li Nanxing, attending Star Awards 2025 on July 6 after a 10-year absence was a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues. But the most memorable reunion came in the form of the 30th anniversary edition's special guest, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, who was on hand to present awards – just like how he did at the inaugural ceremony in 1994. Back then, Chow famously remarked that Li resembled him, adding: 'Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more.' At Star Awards 2025, Chow, 70, called out 60-year-old Li's name twice while onstage, when he rallied the local actors in the audience from the 1994 batch to go onstage for a wefie. Li was also the first artiste to receive a hug from Chow. Li said it was the pair's first reunion since 1994, but they did not get to chat offstage as Chow was 'very busy'. Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat (left) giving Singaporean actor Li Nanxing a hug during the Star Awards on July 6. PHOTO: ENTERTAINMENT – MEDIACORP/YOUTUBE Li recalled: 'So many people wanted to take a photo with him, and I felt so lucky to have been called. 'I have always looked up to Chow and have seen so many of his movies. In some ways, I did try to learn from him. So for him to remember me three decades later, it meant a lot to me. I consider him more a friend than an idol.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: MinLaw acts against 4 law firms, 1 lawyer over seized properties Business 'Some cannot source outside China': S'pore firms' challenges and support needed amid US tariffs Multimedia From local to global: What made top news in Singapore over the last 180 years? 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At the event, he unveiled two limited-time collaborative dishes that feature his LNX Dried Scallop Hae Bee Hiam – Hae Bee Hiam XO Penang Char Kway Teow With Double Egg ($12.80) and Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns ($12.80). Li launched his hae bee hiam (spicy dried shrimp sambal) brand in 2021, and it was improved in 2024 with richer shrimp and scallop flavours. Ah Ge Fried Bee Hoon With Tiger Prawns. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Li also revealed more about how he plans to celebrate his 40 years in showbiz, after debuting in the 1986 Chinese-language drama Crossroads. On Nov 29, he will hold a 40th anniversary event in Shanghai, China, with an estimated 800 fan s, including those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He also plans to join a Huangpu River Cruise to admire the nighttime scenery together with attendees of an eight-day Jiangnan Gourmet Autumn Tour, departing from Singapore on Nov 23 and organised by local tour agency SA Tours. During the event, he might shake fans' hands, sign autographs and even belt out a number or two. 'It all depends on what requests they have. Maybe it is to sing some theme songs or act out certain roles? I just want to thank my fans for their support all these years. 'Did you know many fans in China like Mediacorp dramas?' he shared, namedropping his period drama The Great Conspiracy (1993), which was partly filmed in the Chinese province of Shanxi and in which he played Shen Chong, a killer skilled in martial arts. Li added: 'In China, old television s series are often replayed. I was once welcomed by Chinese fans with banners saying 'Shen Chong is back', and they told me they had seen the show on television just a few years ago.' 'Other fans in China who watched it when it first aired are now aunties. But they bring their children and grandchildren – three generations – to see me, and it is great. They give me lots of local products, such as tea and peanuts, and I have to book a van to take all of it back to my hotel.' Reflecting on his four-decade career, Li shared that there were lows, like when viewers made 'hurtful' comments about him portraying villains in dramas such as Coup De Scorpion (1999). In any case, acting has taught him much about life, while allowing him space to play and experiment. He recently played a cash-strapped single father in the family drama Uniquely Ours (2024), and will return to the small screen as a disgraced doctor in dystopian thriller series The Leftovers, set to premiere in October 2026. Outside of the entertainment industry, Li remains passionate about his other businesses. He established artiste management company LNX Global in 2003, which manages actresses Constance Song and Vivian Lai, actor Shane Pow, UFM100.3 DJ Luo Kemin and actress-influencer Julie Tan. In 2021, he opened dessert shop Tian Wang, now located in Keong Saik Road, where he has been spotted playing cashier and waiter. In addition, he has collaborated with other F&B businesses over the years, such as Chinese hotpot chain Chamoon Hot Pot on a bak kut teh broth in 2024, and casual restaurant chain Yun Nans on a number of spring menu dishes in 2021. He said: 'I love cooking. And food is something I feel very strongly for, especially Nanyang cuisine, which has a distinctive Singaporean flavour. I love going to other countries to spread awareness about our food. And whether it is in food, acting or life, there is still a lot more to learn, experience and enjoy.'
