SA2017SG: And The Winner Is....

It is the time of the year again, where we review and award the performances by talented actors and actresses from Singapore in 2016. The Star Awards ceremony has a change of format this year. Instead of having two live shows in the past, it now has four (three are like preludes, with one main show)! With most of the backstage awards such as Best Director, Best Variety Producer and so on given out in the past three preludes, we are left with the main awards - highly anticipated Best Leading and Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Programme Host, Best Drama, Best Variety Programme, Best Theme Song, Best Evergreen Artiste, Rocket Award and the Top 10 Most Popular Male and Female Artist.

This time round we are trying to place our stakes on Drama related awards only as it would be unfair for us to judge Variety related awards without watching all the variety shows.

BEST ACTOR 最佳男主角

We say: Andie Chen as He Daxian (If Only I Could...)

When we first started watching If Only I Could, we could not take our eyes away from Rui En's transformation into a fat, haggard Ahjumma, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. But when Andie came into action, his portrayal as the good-for-nothing husband of Rui En is surreal. Sometimes, one look into his eyes is all you need to know what he is trying to say. There is just so much feels in his acting that I don't call it acting anymore! Without any lovey dovey scenes, we could actually sense his love towards his wife - only with gestures and eye contact. That when we know, yes - he is up for Best Actor. And now, yes - he is gonna win it!

The odds: 2/3

Dark Horse: Chen Hanwei as Zhang Naiping (The Gentlemen)

The King of Transformation is up for the run again. This time, he is running with the irritating machismo Zhang Naiping. Well, many may say that the character is flat by nature, in which I have to agree, but you have to admit that you enjoyed his performance as a male chauvinist who ended up working as a nanny and finally, starting his business in providing confinement meals to post-pregnancy ladies. If there is one word to describe his portrayal, I would say "natural". Plus, the competition wasn't too tough in this category. So really, who else but the four-time Best Actor winner.

The odds: 4/1

The Media's Choice is Shaun Chen for his portrayal of a smart and intellectual gangster. We are pretty much enough with his gangster portrayal. Though it's pretty much different from his award-winning character Zhang Jia, Fada is still a gangster. And, we are not surprised by his performance.

The odds: 17/3

The other nominees of this category are:

Pierre Png as Zhang Nailiang (The Gentlemen)

Zhang Zhenhuan as Zhang Lixing (The Dream Job)

BEST ACTRESS 最佳女主角

We say: Rui En (If Only I Could...)

As mentioned, our eyes are glued to Rui En's take as an aunty in If Only I Could. If Andie won his first Best Actor award tonight, then Rui En should definitely take home her third. Why? Because an actor excellence depends on their co-actors as well as themselves. Rui En put on weight, took off her make up and shed lots of tears for this drama, and I know for sure, her sacrifices are worth it. Why, because. Her acting has been elevated to another level. And that means, she should win her third Best Actress award.

The odds: 3/7

Dark Horse: Rebecca Lim (You Can Be An Angel 2)

Rebecca may seem very so-so as a nurse manager in You Can Be An Angel 2, but the twist of her story comes in when her son dies of electrocution. And soon after, she lost her unborn baby. The mixed emotions she had, while arguing with her screen husband (portrayed by Bryan Wong) is definitely Best Actress worthy, but of course, not as worthy as Rui En in this case.

The odds: 17/3

The Media's Choice is none other than the Queen of Mediacorp, Zoe Tay! We admit she is good in her work as the nurse manager who was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she is the Ah Jie for a reason. She is excellent in every single character she portrays. The only reason why she may lose out this time round is because of the more sophisticated backstory her competitors' characters have. But still, she has a chance no doubt!

The odds: 9/1

The other nominees of this category are:

Jeanette Aw as Cheng Huishan (The Dream Job)

Jesseca Liu as Zhang Weixiong (Hero)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR 最佳男配角

We say: Andie Chen as Ou Jin'guang (Hero) [also Media's Choice!]

Bowl-shaped haircut and and a blurry face together with his slow speech, 'nuff said - he is no doubt the winner. In fact, no one in this category comes even close to snatching the award from him. His portrayal as the kind and slow (and sometimes foolish - in a good way) Jin Guang is no doubt one of his best ever. Jin Guang has become one of his top representative pieces after 10 years of acting. So judges, keep your eyes open and give him the award!

The odds: 3/17

Dark Horse: Ian Fang as Lin Zijie (The Dream Job)

Alright, we have to admit that Ian has the bad boy look so his portrayal as the good-for-nothing Zijie is really convincing. He is not exactly a "bad boy", he is just an adult who acts like a child. In other words, he is just a spoiled brat, and guess what, Ian spoiled himself really well for this drama, and so, he is next in line for this award.

The odds: 9/1

The other nominees of this category are:

Romeo Tan as Tim Goh (The Dream Job)

Chen Shu Cheng as Chuang Dexian (Fire Up)

Jeffrey Xu as Lu Xiaoqiang (Peace and Prosperity)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS 最佳女配角

We say: Paige Chua as Ou Jinxuan (Hero) [also Media's Choice!]

Paige gave us a jaw drop when she portrayed a money-minded sister of Jin'guang. She played around with Chen Hanwei's feelings and always dream of marrying a rich man. After many attempts to achieve her dreams, she ended up giving up life. That's when you will see the goddess-like Paige in her worst form. Untidy hair, no makeup, dirty and lifeless - that's the Paige you will see. What a breakthrough I would say - and a breakthrough deserves an award.

The odds: 1/4

Dark Horse: Pan Lingling as Xiao Jiahui (Hero)

We can't help to emphatise Ling Ling's character Jiahui when she started to lose her memory and recalls only the past whenever asked after she lost her husband (whose death is partly caused by her onscreen son - portrayed by Ian Fang). When we watched her performance in Hero, we are so sure that she will be nominated in this category and so she did! And she, may have a chance to win her second Best Supporting Actress award for her portrayal as a pitiful daughter and mother-in-law.

The odds: 9/1

The other nominees of this category are:

Bonnie Loo as Guan Meimei (Hero)

Aileen Tan as Huang Lili (Hero)

Ya Hui as Wu Xixi (House of Fortune)

BEST THEME SONG 最佳主题曲

We say: 年轮 from The Dream Job

This year we have a pretty tough time predicting the winner of this category. Thankfully, our mum was there to help us decide and after a series of "discussion", we have decided that the theme song from The Dream Job fits the bill. Soothing and much feels are the only words we could think of to describe this song. And not to mention, it was performed by one of the best Singaporean songwriter Jim Lim and OST Queen Sing Chew - what's more to ask really?

The odds: 1/1

Dark Horse: 吃饱没 from Eat Already

Jiak, jiak, jiak, Jiak ba buey - a catchy song that could easily make everyone moves their feet and body without fail. Who else but the trio who sang this wonderful Hokkien tune if the award was not given to the previously mentioned?

The odds: 7/3

The other nominees of this category are:

最美的时光 from If Only I Could...

天使 from You Can Be An Angel 2

人生无所畏 from Life Fear Not

BEST DRAMA 最佳电视剧

We say: Hero 

This drama is a neighbourhood drama in which it brings viewers into the hearts of Dakota Crescent's citizens. The drama is close to the hearts of the people, with many A-list actors and actresses casted. This drama managed to showcase the acting chops of Andie Chen, Paige Chua and Bonnie Loo and scored the most nominations in this years awards show. So, we are definitely not surprised if it wins Best Drama.

The odds: 1/1

Dark Horse: The Dream Job 

This drama is the mid-year blockbuster of 2016 and it was also led by A-listers and also Hong Kong based Singaporean actor Hugo Ng. The winning point of this drama is its refreshing story line. It may seemed like the typical "family feud" drama but in reality, its a touching drama which brings out the best and worst of people during desperate situations. This is why we think it is the dark horse of this category.

The odds: 3/2

The other nominees of this category are:

You Can Be An Angel 2

Fire Up

C.L.I.F. 4

That's the end of our predictions - let's just wait and see how much of our bets would bear fruit!

Watch Star Awards 2017 LIVE on Channel 8 Singapore and Astro Shuang Xing (CH307 & CH324) Malaysia!

Star Awards 2017 - Walk of Fame

Time: 5:30 PM 

Singapore Channel 8

Malaysia Astro On The Go

Star Awards 2017 - Main Show

Time: 7:00 PM

Singapore Channel 8

Malaysia Astro On The Go & Astro Shuang Xing

Star Awards 20 "Best Categories" Prediction - Who would be the King & Queen this time round?

And here we are again, it's the time of the year. The time where Singaporeans (including oversea Singaporean Drama fans) make a big fuss of. This coming Sunday is the long awaited Star Awards 20 Show 2 and I am here to share with you our predictions (my family, including my Mum and my sister) for the year. We have very strong contenders in most of the categories this year so it really took some time for us to decide.

BEST ACTOR 最佳男主角

We say: Terence Cao as Zhang Guangda (The Journey: A Voyage)

I have to say, there were numerous times we almost threw our stuff to our 45" TV screen. Terence's portrayal as the evil and cunning Zhang Guangda is so real you would never believe! His great performance did not only gain likes but hates as well. Plus, being a 6-time nominee, it's high time he win this award. And, it is obvious, he had a certain level of acting skills if not he wouldn't even be nominated. So, judges, whoever you are, let him win this award, letting him graduate in his own yearbook of acting school is the least you could do.

Dark Horse: Pierre Png as Hei Long (The Journey: A Voyage)

Well, I have no words for the darkness Hei Long went through during his childhood, which made him who he was when he grew up. He is evil but like Pierre says himself: "黑龙不是坏人 (Translation: Hei Long is no baddie)". But, my mother did mentioned (and we agreed) that Pierre was acting evil and nice (only to Yazi) at the same time. So, you could never hate him a 100%, and hence, not a success in being evil. However, we couldn't ignore the hard work he put into the drama. His script was even exhibited in the museum during the TV50 event to show how much work he has to do in order to read and act according to the script. Plus, being a 4-time nominee, he has an equal chance of winning.

As for Bryan's acting as Liu A-man in Gonna Make It, it was very well portrayed. He could stand a chance winning too but I think the baddies should win this time round. 

Chen Hanwei's role as Yu Fan in The Dream Makers was pretty much flat, his acting was good but the role was flat itself. Plus, as a 4-time Best Actor, it's time for him to give the opportunity to other actors.

Qi Yuwu's acting as Jason Lam in The Dream Makers was natural, especially his love chemistry with Zhao Fei-er and the vastly emotional scene that occurs after Fei-er decided broke up with him. Other than that, the rest was utterly normal (as in the role). Plus, he won Best Actor once, so I think he should give way to the seniors this year.

BEST ACTRESS 最佳女主角

We say: Jeanette Aw as Zhao Fei-er (The Dream Makers)

Yes, we are fans of Jeanette. But this time, I have to clarify that we have valid reasons to say why she should bag the Best Actress award this year. To strengthen my choice, I have the Queen of Cadelcott, Zoe Tay and 4-time Best Actor Chen Hanwei to back me up. Not to forget Bryan Wong and many others too! 

Being a 6-time nominee (just like Terence Cao), she too had a certain level of acting skills no doubt. But Zhao Fei-er brought Jeanette to another level, a level she never stepped on before. She is well known for being able to portray roles similar to Huang Juxiang, Yamamoto Yueniang, Yao Jianhong or Lin Yazi (I don't call them "damsel-in-distress" because most of these characters have a tough personality) very well. But Fei-er is an ambitious C-lister who would do anything it takes to achieve her goal. She is unlike Yazi, who is kind enough to trust Hei Long. Fei'er trusts no one but herself. She could even betray her best friend Fang Tonglin and forgo her 9-year long relationship with her childhood sweetheart Jason Lam just to achieve her goal. However, we couldn't deny that we hated and symphatised her at the same time. It's like we understand why she is doing all this, why is she so persistent in her goal despite having to hurt so many people who loved and cared for her. So that's why I think she stands a great chance in winning this time round.

But, even if she didn't win this time round (as we are afraid of getting disappointed again, just like Jeanette would), we want to let her know, she is already a winner for her performance, there is no need for physical evidence. Just keep up to good work and get it next time round. 

Dark Horse: Chen Liping as Yao-Zhu Kangli (The Dream Makers)

As a veteran, no doubt she is running for this award. My mother once told me, right after the series ended its run, that Yao-Zhu Kangli and Zhao Fei-er would be nominated for Best Actress for the actresses' ability to act well in such versatile roles. No doubt Liping did a great job as a wife of a man who had multiple extramarital affairs and a mother of a child who suffers from autism. Not to forget, she is a high-level executive at work, and hence, she has to juggle her emotions all around to portray this character well. And of course, she did it. However, I have to comment that the chemistry between Kangli and Jianguo is a little lacking near the end of the series, which is when they both reconcile. They don't seem natural as a loving couple; but when they are against each other, that chemistry is out of our imagination! So, if Jeanette weren't to win, she would definitely be next in line. 

As for Rui En's portrayal as Fang Tonglin in The Dream Makers, it was actually not bad. Besides a little overacting for the comedic scenes (maybe due to the demand of the scriptwriters or directors) and the slight lacking of sparks between Tonglin and Jason, the rest was actually well done. But I still think Rui En suits serious roles more, which explains why she deserves to win Best Actress (Star Awards and Asian TV Awards) for Unriddle 2 no doubt.

Rebecca Lim's first attempt for a dual role character Guo Weiqian & Huang Yixin in Sudden is quite successful I would say, At least you won't go thinking: "Oh no, this is so wrong. Should have replaced her for someone else." I was impressed by her acting actually, she was in my list of Best Actress nomination since the day all 2013 dramas finished airing. However, there is still lots of room for improvements I would say, so take this nomination as a motivation to improve, Rebecca. I believe you would score this award one day!

Finally, Chris Tong's acting as the pitiful concubine of Zhang Guangda, Bai Mingzhu from The Journey: A Voyage was a performance which deserves a thumbs-up as well. But I think pitiful roles like this are usually the weaker links in the competition (just like Jeanette's roles as Juxiang, Yueniang and Jianhong in The Little Nyonya and Together respectively, Liping's role as Xiaogu in The Golden Path or Zoe's role as Liu Zhaodi in Devotion). So EPs, please give Chris a role which is vastly different from her personality yet not weak and pitiful. This actress deserves some recognition as well, just like any of the above actresses.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR 最佳男配角

We say: Guo Liang as Yao Jianguo (The Dream Makers)
He is a host but yet he was able to portray a role which requires an actor to disperse his inner feelings into good use. And Guo Liang, with little acting experience, did well in it. Well if you were to compare him with Bryan's nomination as Liu A-man, then he will not stand a chance but among his own fellow competitors, he had a 50% chance I would say.

Dark Horse: Jeffrey Xu as Xu Xiaodong (Marry Me)

If you could recall, Jeffrey won Best Supporting Actor with the same role in the Asian TV Awards 2013. If he would share the same fate like Rui En and Aileen Tan, who both won in both the Star Awards and the ATA for the same roles, then he would definitely score his first award this time. 

He did very well in portraying Xiaodong. It was very natural, but it's maybe because of Xiaodong shares similar personalities with Jeffrey (like he said so himself) which is why he is able to portray this role so well. So if it's not Guo Liang, then it's Jeffrey.

As for Dennis Chew's acting as Fang Yuanren in The Dream Makers, it was enjoyable seeing him acting as comedic role. But, there are some moments which he over-reacts, plus he had experiences acting funny (like Aunty Lucy or any hosting he does), this role is not as challenging as any other roles nominated here if compared. 

Shaun Chen's role as Du Zhanpeng in The Dream Makers was pretty much flat, though his acting was good especially when he had to manage his feelings well being the person who fonds Tonglin and the VP of artiste management at the same time. But, I think this is not a winning role but still a great performance done I would say.

Zhang Zhenhuan's acting as Ye Zhibin in Break Free was good. But what I feel is that the role is not memorable enough. Though Zhenhuan himself mentioned he did better as Zhibin than as Yao Wuji in Together, I still think the latter left a deeper impression in me. What he needs is a even more memorable role to act in, Mediacorp EPs, please take my suggestion seriously.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS 最佳女配角

We say: Priscelia Chan as Han Xiuxiang (The Journey: A Voyage)

This hardworking actress has just been recognised for her breakthrough performance in The Journey: A Voyage by receiving the Rocket Award a few days ago. What's more to say?

Her performance as Xiuxiang made me forget who Priscelia is. As an actress who usually have timid roles (and some cunning roles), she definitely deserves more than a Rocket Award for her stellar performance in The Journey: A Voyage. In that drama, she is hateful, just because she only has hatred in her head. She did nothing but torture Mingzhu; she is no doubt the no.3 baddie in the drama. However, you pity her when you try to hate her. Why? Because her dreadful husband made her who she was. Maybe Priscelia should thank Terence if she manage to win this award. They have that awesome EVIL chemistry, just like what we saw in the Star Awards 20 Show 1.

Dark Horse: Xiang Yun as Zhang Cuiyan (Beyond)

Who else to win if it's not Priscelia? No doubt it would be the four time winner Xiang Yun. Xiang Yun successfully portrayed the role of a low self-esteem mother, Cuiyan to a daughter who she thought is mentally unstable. I have nothing but the word "natural" to describe her acting. Plus, her mother-daughter chemistry with Jeanette was awesome. That's all I've got to say. So, she would definitely be the next in line if it's not Priscelia.

Hong Huifang's performance as the slightly slutty Fu Meili in Love at Risk was well done but the role is a little too flat and dull to score another win for the two-time winner.

Aileen Tan's role as Seetoh Yan in C.L.I.F. 2 was another job well done for Aileen. But, the only part which is memorable and catchy enough is when she finds out her son became a wanted criminal and the mixed feelings she had as a police and a mother at the same time. That's about all.

Last but not least, Rebecca Lim, the only actress who scored a double nomination in the acting category, acting as Lisa Xiao in The Dream Makers, a very open-minded woman who faced prejudices from all others due to her open personality. Rebecca did a great job in portraying Lisa (definitely better than her role than Zhang Xueqin in Yes We Can) but I think her role Lisa is a weaker contender compared to the two we have chosen above. She is definitely an actress with great potential, I foresee her having great achievements in the near future.

BEST DRAMA 最佳戏剧

We say: The Dream Makers

Hitting the top with viewership ratings, and the nominations (& wins in Show 1) they had in this year's Star Awards, no doubt The Dream Makers would win Best Drama this year. Not to forget the stellar casting of the drama, this definitely is a plus point to all the above. 

Dark Horse: The Journey: A Voyage

If the story line is the only thing we need to compare, The Journey would deserve a win no matter what. Historical dramas with semi-fictional stories has that magnet which keep viewers attracted (especially those who are interested to know more about their ancestors). Though the ratings are at 2nd overall (combining Toggle Catch Up and on TV), the drama is lacking on nominations in this year's award show. The drama is actually very well planned overall with another set of stellar casts, however the bad editing and not-so-surreal special effects during certain points of the drama has been negatively contributing to this award.

As for the rest of the nominated dramas Beyond, C.L.I.F. 2 & 96°C Cafe, they all have great story lines but they were not as sophisticated as the blockbusters, which are more deserving for a win than the rest.

That's all for our predictions. Catch the 20th installment of Star Awards this coming Sunday at the following time slots and channels respectively.

Broadcasting Channels and Time - 27 April 2014 (Sunday)

Singapore - Channel 8 

5:30 PM (Walk of Fame) & 7:00 PM (Awards Show)

Singapore - Channel U 

10:00 PM (Post-Show Party)

Malaysia - Astro AEC (CH301) & Astro Quan Jia (CH308) 

7:00 PM (Awards Show)