Star Awards 2026: Winners and Red Carpet Highlights

The 2026 Star Awards concluded with a standout performance by Mediacorp drama Emerald Hill, which secured six awards, including the historic first Best Actress award for veteran performer Jesseca Liu. The ceremony, held on April 18, 2026, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, marked a significant milestone in local television recognition, particularly for dramas that explore Singapore’s social and cultural heritage.

Emerald Hill, a period drama set in Singapore’s Joo Chiat district during the 1950s and 60s, was recognised across multiple categories, reflecting its critical and popular impact. Jesseca Liu, who portrayed the resilient matriarch Guan Yin, received the Best Actress award — her first in the category after over two decades in the industry. Her performance was widely noted for its emotional depth and authenticity, capturing the complexities of a woman navigating tradition, family duty, and personal aspiration in post-war Singapore.

In addition to Liu’s individual honour, Emerald Hill won Best Drama Serial, Best Director (awarded to Wong Foong Hwei), Best Theme Song, and two technical awards for Best Soundtrack and Best Set Design. The sweep underscored the production’s strength not only in storytelling but also in craftsmanship, with particular praise directed toward its authentic recreation of Peranakan architecture, costume design, and use of dialect dialogue.

The Best Drama Serial award marked Emerald Hill’s second consecutive win in the category, following its recognition at the 2025 Star Awards. This back-to-back achievement places the series among the most honoured dramas in recent Star Awards history, alongside titles such as The Little Nyonya and Mind Jumper. Industry analysts noted that the win reflects Mediacorp’s continued investment in high-quality, locally rooted content that resonates with both older and younger audiences.

Jesseca Liu’s victory was especially meaningful given her long-standing association with Mediacorp and her reputation as one of Singapore’s most reliable dramatic performers. Speaking after the win, Liu expressed gratitude to the cast and crew, describing the role as “a labour of love” that allowed her to explore a character deeply tied to Singapore’s multicultural identity. “Portraying Guan Yin wasn’t just about acting — it was about honouring the women who built families and communities with quiet strength,” she said in her acceptance speech.

The Star Awards 2026 also featured notable moments beyond the main awards. Tasha Low and Zhang Zetong were named Favourite CP (Couple Pairing) for their on-screen chemistry in Cash on Delivery, while Chantalle Ng received the Most Hated Villain award for her role in All That Glitters, highlighting audience engagement with character dynamics across genres. Fashion and beauty segments drew attention as well, with media outlets highlighting standout looks from veterans like Zoe Tay and emerging stars on the red carpet.

Despite the celebratory tone, the ceremony took place amid ongoing discussions about the future of local free-to-air television in the face of growing competition from streaming platforms. Mediacorp has responded by increasing its investment in original dramas and variety shows, with Emerald Hill serving as a flagship example of its strategy to prioritise culturally specific narratives with high production values.

As of April 2026, Emerald Hill remains available for streaming on meWATCH, Mediacorp’s on-demand platform, where it has consistently ranked among the most-watched local dramas since its release. The series’ success at the Star Awards 2026 reinforces its status as a benchmark for quality in Singaporean television, both in artistic achievement and audience reception.