The 31st Star Awards, themed “Born To Glow,” is set to illuminate the achievements of Singapore’s television stars on April 19th. This year’s ceremony promises a look behind the scenes at the making of stardom, alongside the recognition of exceptional talent across various categories. The awards will be broadcast live on Channel 8, Channel U, mewatch and the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel, with the Walk of Fame kicking off at 5pm and the main ceremony at 7pm. Backstage Live will begin at 3.30pm on mewatch and the Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube channel.
Among the nominees announced, Xixi Lim has received her first nomination in the Best Programme Host category for her work on Say It Right! S2. She’s competing against Bryan Wong (Makan On Wheels S2), Darren Lim (Unusual Weddings), Dennis Chew (Mr Zhou’s Ghost Stories @ Singapore Sightings S2), and Guo Liang, recognized for his hosting of the Star Awards 2025 Award Ceremony. The competition promises a vibrant showcase of hosting talent.
Notably absent from the nominations list is veteran actor Xie Shaoguang, despite his critically acclaimed performance in the Mediacorp drama The Gift of Time. However, Shaoguang preemptively addressed this, stating via social media that he is “already semi-retired and hope[s] that the spotlight will be left to outstanding actors who are still active, giving them more opportunities to shine.” He further emphasized that creating a compelling character is a collaborative effort, acknowledging the contributions of the director, cinematographer, editors, costume designers, and the entire production team.
New Award and Category Evolution
This year’s Star Awards introduces a new category: Best Microdrama, reflecting Mediacorp’s foray into the increasingly popular bite-sized, mobile-first content format. This addition signals a commitment to recognizing innovation and creativity across all platforms.
In addition to the new category, the Best Theme Song award is evolving into Best Original Song. This expanded scope will allow for the recognition of original sub-theme songs alongside main theme songs, providing a broader platform for musical talent within television productions. This change acknowledges the growing importance of music in enhancing the storytelling experience.
Key Nominees and Viewing Information
The Star Awards continue to be a cornerstone of Singapore’s entertainment industry, celebrating the dedication and artistry of its performers. For a complete list of nominees and further details about the event, visit mediacorp.sg/starawards.
The event’s theme, “Born To Glow,” encapsulates the journey and dedication required to achieve stardom, offering viewers a glimpse into the hard work and passion that fuels the industry. The Star Awards are a celebration of not just individual talent, but the collective effort that brings compelling stories to the screen.
As the awards ceremony approaches, anticipation builds for the recognition of outstanding contributions to Singaporean television. The inclusion of a new category and the evolution of existing ones demonstrate a commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of entertainment and celebrating innovation.
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