What we can learn from the “losers” of Star Awards 2026

It’s often said that history is written by the winners. At this year’s Star Awards 2026, the spotlight shone brightly on major victories—The Little Nyonya swept up accolades, while Jesseca Liu took home Best Actress. Tyler Ten and Chen Liping were recognised for their supporting roles, and Desmond Tan clinched Best Actor for Devil Behind The Gate.

There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing the talents you’ve rooted for get their moment. But alongside the wins comes a quieter, more universal emotion: empathy for those who didn’t. Because beyond the glamour, awards shows mirror something profoundly human. Who hasn’t felt the sting of missing out on an opportunity, or being passed over for something they worked hard for?

With that in mind, here are the stars who walked away empty-handed this season—and the lessons we can take from them.

Andie Chen

For Andie Chen, this year’s Star Awards 2026 was hoped to be a turning point. The actor, who is based in Taiwan with his wife, actress Kate Pang, and their two children, Aden and Avery, once again left empty-handed.

The disappointment was familiar. Chen missed out on Best Supporting Actor, which went to Tyler Ten for his role as gangster Bai Ah Li in Emerald Hill. He was also nominated for the MyPick! Most Hated Villain award for his turn as Inspector Hong Dashi in Fixing Fate, but the win went to Chantalle Ng for her portrayal of Zhang An Na—also from Emerald Hill. It’s not hard to see why the snub stings.

Having been with Mediacorp since he was 19, Chen has yet to secure a win despite 11 acting nominations—seven for Best Supporting Actor and four for Best Actor—alongside six nods for Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste.

In the aftermath, he took to Instagram with a candid, slightly cryptic reflection: “I always thought that the job of an actor is to act well… as someone turning 41, shouldn’t I have learned that that’s not how the world works? Things are never so simple.” He later clarified that while the loss was painful, he simply wanted to acknowledge those feelings rather than suppress them, adding that he is “home with my family and in a good place.”

The response from the industry was swift and supportive. Veteran actress Hong Huifang encouraged him to stay grounded in his craft, while Romeo Tan—fresh off his All-Time Favourite Artiste win—offered a more personal note: “You’re a warrior… now it’s time to take care of your soul.”

Aileen Tan

This year’s Star Awards 2026 marked a second consecutive miss for the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes accolade—but she chose to end the night on a gracious, uplifting note.

Taking to Instagram, the beloved veteran shared a warm reflection: “Star Awards 2026 has come to an end. It was so nice getting together with everyone. Congratulations to all of the winners, especially Emerald Hill’s ‘second young madam’—Best Actress, well deserved.” Despite the outcome, she remained appreciative, adding, “Even though I didn’t win, I’m thankful for the team who dolled me up for the red carpet. And more importantly, thank you to everyone who voted. I’ll do my best.”

Shane Pow

This year’s Star Awards 2026 brought multiple nominations for the 35-year-old—but no trophies.

The actor was in the running for three awards: the BYD Favourite Male Character Award for We Are Number 1, Best Actor for Another Wok of Life, and Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes. Despite the strong lineup, he left the ceremony empty-handed, extending a winless streak that dates back to his last Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes win in 2017.

Reflecting on the experience in an Instagram post, Pow shared candidly: “In the blink of an eye, I’ve been in the industry for 15 years. Every year around April I get increasingly nervous. But as the years go by, I’ve realised there are many things beyond your control. When you’re too hard on yourself, the one who suffers is you.”

He added that he’s learning to shift his perspective: “I’ve learnt not to take the results too seriously. I still look forward to it, but with a gentler approach. The most important thing is being able to get together with friends.”

His outlook was echoed by Desmond Tan, who won Best Actor and offered words of encouragement: “Everyone’s journey is unique—own your own story. All the best, brother.”

Ferlyn G

Another strong contender who narrowly missed out was Ferlyn G, widely tipped to clinch a spot in the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes this year at the Star Awards 2026.

The actress, who played a pivotal role in the Zhang family saga in Emerald Hill—a character marked by emotional depth and a tragic backstory—was also nominated for the BYD Favourite Female Character Award. Despite the buzz, she walked away without a win.

Taking it in stride, Ferlyn shared a reflective note on social media: “Highs and lows will come, but we keep swimming, keep breathing, and keep adjusting. And through it all, success and good fortune find their way.”

Chen Hanwei

With seven Best Actor wins to his name, Chen Hanwei remains one of the most decorated figures in Star Awards history. Yet this year, the veteran struck a notably humble tone—sharing that he may consider stepping back from future awards to make space for younger talent to shine.

The 56-year-old was nominated for Best Actor at Star Awards 2026 for his moving portrayal of a terminally ill cancer patient in The Gift of Time, going up against eventual winner Desmond Tan for Devil Behind The Gate.

Despite the loss, Chen was gracious in his response, taking to Instagram to congratulate both Tan and Jesseca Liu. “Congratulations to the younger actors who have worked hard and reaped what they sowed. All the best—you can do it!” he wrote, adding, “I really love this photo that I took with Jesseca.”

James Seah

For James Seah, the night ended without a win, but not without perspective. The Star Search alum missed out on Best Supporting Actor and has yet to return to the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes lineup since 2024 at the Star Awards 2026.

Still, he chose to focus on the bigger picture. “As the lights dim, I’m thankful for every step of the journey. Now it’s time to raise the bar again,” he wrote. 

Jeremy Chan

For Jeremy Chan, this year’s Star Awards 2026 was an emotional whirlwind—both on and off the stage. The actor, who also took on hosting duties on the red carpet, didn’t make the cut for the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes. But any disappointment was quickly eclipsed by a far more meaningful moment.

Watching his wife, Jesseca Liu, step up to receive her first Best Actress award became the highlight of his night. In a heartfelt reflection, he shared that the moment brought him back to his own Best Actor win—only this time, it was her turn to shine. “It matters so much more than my own win,” he said, repeating her name with pride: “Jesseca Liu, Jesseca Liu, Jesseca Liu.”

Cue the tears. Backstage, the couple’s embrace after her win said it all.

Cynthia Koh

For Cynthia Koh, the journey over the past year has been one of quiet resilience. After previously speaking about a slowdown in acting opportunities, things began to look up—culminating in a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Star Awards 2026 for her role in I Believe I Can Fly.

While she didn’t take home the award—and has yet to return to the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes list since 2022—Koh remains grounded in gratitude rather than disappointment. Taking to social media, she shared: “I don’t chase, I attract. What belongs to me will find its way. Indeed, I’m drawn to incredible individuals who uplift me and light up my world. Thanks to everyone who’s shown me love.”

Lee Teng

The Star Awards 2026 once again came with a familiar outcome—no return to the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes list since his last win in 2022. But true to form, the Taiwan-born host met it with humour rather than disappointment.

Known for his quick wit and fast-talking charm, Lee leaned into the moment after being playfully teased on stage by Hong Kong star Ada Choi. Reflecting on the exchange, he joked, “No wonder people get PTSD for the awards. Ada is so good at teasing.” He added that she kept hinting at a two-letter name, before quipping, “Thank you to the directors and producers who gave me so much screen time. I’ve decided to change my name—what should I call myself?”

Zhai Siming

Since 2023, the Star Search alum has been nominated for the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes award, but has yet to break into the final list.

Still, there’s been no trace of bitterness. Instead, he responded with characteristic grace, writing: “Congratulations to the winners! I’m so happy for you. Thank you to those who have supported me along the way. I’ll continue to work hard and do my best every step of the way.”

Brandon Wong

For Brandon Wong, the phrase “good things come to those who wait” has proved especially true over a long and winding career in Star Awards history.

After nearly three decades in the industry, he finally clinched his first Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste recognition and Most Hated Villain award, followed by his first acting win—Best Supporting Actor—for his role in Dark Angel. This year, however, the veteran actor walked away without a trophy at the Star Awards 2026.

Still, his response was full of gratitude rather than disappointment. “When the curtains come down, regardless of the results, I’m thankful for everyone who has voted for me, including all my friends and family,” he shared. He also paid tribute to those behind the scenes, adding that their support gives him the strength to always do his best.

Herman Keh

Consistency has defined his rise through the Star Awards circuit. After securing a Top 3 Most Popular Rising Stars spot in consecutive years since 2024—bar this year—he continues to build momentum without losing perspective.

Reflecting on his journey at the Star Awards 2026, he shared a grounded message of growth over urgency: “This year, I didn’t try to be more. I just tried to be better. Time has a way of teaching you things you don’t realise in the moment. They all shape you in ways you can’t see yet.”

He added that he’s still in the process of figuring things out: “Still learning, still adjusting, still growing into myself. No rush. I’ll get there.”