Star Awards 2026: Who’s Leading the Popularity Race? All the Drama and Nominees

It’s that time of the year again when local TV fans turn into full-blown campaign managers, voting furiously for their favourite artistes. The Star Awards 2026 is just around the corner, and the buzz is already deafening. This year’s edition promises more twists than a long-running drama, with the popularity vote tighter than ever and some legendary names thrown into the mix 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 lowdown on who’s hot, who’s not, and why your vote actually matters this time.

The Popularity Showdown: Carrie vs Romeo (and the Dark Horses)

Let’s cut to the chase—the Top 10 Most Popular Male and Female Artistes categories are where the real bloodbath happens. Right now, it’s a two-horse race at the top, with Carrie Wong and Romeo Tan pulling away from the pack. Carrie, fresh off her gripping performance in last year’s blockbuster thriller, has her fanbase in overdrive. Romeo, ever the consistent heartthrob, isn’t far behind, proving that his appeal cuts across 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 run for Best Actor. Newcomers and perennial favourites are jostling for position, and in a race this tight, every single SMS and online ballot could flip the script. Word has it that the backroom teams of some artistes are already planning victory parties at swanky spots—some are eyeing exclusive 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 chill vibe 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 snagged 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, aunties across Singapore 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 in the zone 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 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 serve both laughs and cringe (the good kind). 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, clock’s ticking. 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 like the Carriage House rentals 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 gold, 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 nagging me to support her godson’s nephew. The things we do for local drama.