Star Awards 2026: Who's Winning the Popularity Race? All the Latest Drama and Nominees

It’s that time of the year again when local telly fans turn into full-fledged campaign managers, voting tirelessly for their favourite stars. The Star Awards 2026 is just around the corner, and the buzz is already electric. This year’s event promises more twists than a long-running soap opera, with the popularity vote tighter than ever and some legendary names in the running for the 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 counts this time.

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 real battle unfolds. Right now, it’s a close race at the top, with Carrie Wong and Romeo Tan pulling ahead of the pack. Carrie, riding high on her gripping performance in last year’s blockbuster thriller, has her fanbase in overdrive. Romeo, ever the consistent 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 divided with his simultaneous Best Actor nomination. Newcomers and perennial favourites are jostling for position, and in a race this tight, every single SMS and online vote could change everything. Word has it that the backroom teams of some stars are already planning victory parties at swanky spots—some are eyeing exclusive getaways where you can rent a luxurious beachside villa with a private pool, or a charming heritage cottage with bicycles included for guests. Imagine waking up to stunning sea views and having private beach access right across the street. That’s the kind of relaxation these stars deserve after weeks of relentless campaigning.

Best Actor Throwdown: Hanwei’s Golden Chance?

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" struck all the right chords—critics loved it, and more importantly, households across India were reaching for their tissues.

Of course, he faces stiff competition. The nominees’ list is packed 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 sea views we just mentioned) is anything to go by, Hanwei has been in top form like never before.

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 honour the best in screenwriting, directing, and technical categories. This year, there’s a special buzz around the Best Theme Song category—some of these tracks have been stuck in our heads for months.

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 delightful awkwardness. Expect plenty of inside jokes that only true-blue 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 31 March 2026. You can vote via the official Mediacorp app or website. Here’s a quick checklist before you dive in:

• Decide your top picks: You can vote for up to five favourites in each category daily.
• Maximise your votes: Spread them out or concentrate—it’s your call.
• Follow the artistes’ socials: Many are doing last-minute “vote for me” livestreams, some even from luxurious getaways they’ve escaped to for some pre-show calm.
• Check 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 auntie has been after me to support her godson’s nephew. The things we do for our favourite shows.