Star Awards 2026: Who’s Winning the Popularity Race? All the Drama and Nominees
It’s that time of year again when local TV fans transform into full-fledged campaign managers, voting passionately for their favourite stars. The Star Awards 2026 is right around the corner, and the buzz is already electric. This year’s show promises more twists than a long-running drama series, with the popularity vote tighter than ever and some legendary names in the running for top acting honours.
If you haven’t been obsessively tracking the daily vote swings, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here’s the inside scoop on who’s hot, who’s not, and why your vote actually matters this time around.
The Popularity Showdown: Carrie vs Romeo (and the Dark Horses)
Let’s get straight to it—the Top 10 Most Popular Male and Female Artistes categories are where the fiercest competition goes down. Right now, it’s a two-person race at the top, with Carrie Wong and Romeo Tan pulling ahead of the pack. Carrie, fresh off her gripping performance in last year’s blockbuster thriller, has her fanbase working overtime. Romeo, the perennial heartthrob, is hot on her heels, proving his appeal spans generations.
But don’t count out the dark horses. Veterans like Chen Hanwei are also polling strongly, though his focus might be split with his simultaneous Best Actor nomination. Newcomers and fan favourites are jostling for position, and in such a tight race, every single SMS and online ballot could change everything. Rumour has it that some artistes’ behind-the-scenes teams are already planning victory parties at exclusive spots—some are eyeing luxurious getaways in the Ocean State, where you can rent a Rosemary Beach House with its private heated pool, or a charming Carriage House with three bikes included. Imagine waking up to stunning Gulf Views and having private beach access right across the street. That’s the kind of well-deserved R&R these stars deserve after weeks of relentless campaigning.
Best Actor Showdown: Hanwei’s Golden Moment?
Over in the acting categories, all eyes are on Chen Hanwei. The seasoned actor has landed a Best Actor nomination, and many are whispering that this could finally be his year. His portrayal of a flawed but loving patriarch in the family drama "Twilight of Love" hit all the right notes—critics loved it, and more importantly, viewers across the country were reaching for their tissues.
Of course, he faces stiff competition. The nominees’ list is stacked with powerhouse performances, including a surprise breakout role from a former child star. But if the buzz from the set of the upcoming mega-series (reportedly filmed near a stunning property with those Gulf Views we just mentioned) is anything to go by, Hanwei has been performing at an entirely new level.
What Else to Watch For
Beyond the main awards, the S.T.A.R Awards 2026 (yes, some fans still use the old acronym) will also celebrate excellence in screenwriting, directing, and technical categories. This year, there’s special buzz around the Best Theme Song category—some of these tunes have been stuck in our heads since Chinese New Year.
And let’s not forget the hosts. Word on the street is that the ceremony will feature some unexpected pairings, guaranteed to deliver both laughs and cringe (the good kind). Expect plenty of inside jokes that only die-hard local drama fans will catch.
Key Dates and How to Vote
If you haven’t cast your votes yet, time is running out. The popularity vote closes on March 31, 2026. You can vote through the official Mediacorp app or website. Here’s a quick checklist before you dive in:
- Choose your top picks: You can vote for up to five favourites in each category daily.
- Maximize your votes: Spread them out or concentrate them—it’s your choice.
- Follow the artistes on social media: Many are doing last-minute “vote for me” livestreams, some even from luxurious retreats like the Carriage House rentals they’ve escaped to for some pre-show calm.
- Watch for double-vote days: Sometimes weekends carry more weight, so stay tuned.
Whether you’re team Carrie, rooting for Romeo, or hoping Hanwei finally takes home the trophy, one thing’s for sure: the Star Awards 2026 is shaping up to be a night of tears, triumphs, and unforgettable TV moments. Mark your calendars for the broadcast, and may your favourite win.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go cast my own votes—my neighbour’s aunt has been nagging me to support her godson’s nephew. The things we do for local drama.