Star Awards: Nick Teo Admits Voting for Himself, Celebrates Wife Hong Ling’s Win

Singaporean actor Nick Teo’s surprise win at the Star Awards 2026 has drawn attention not only for his first-time recognition as Best Actor but also for his candid admission that he voted for himself in the popular vote category, while expressing greater joy over his wife Hong Ling’s win in the same ceremony.

Teo was announced as the winner of the Best Actor award at the Star Awards 2026, held on April 19, 2026, at the Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre. The win marked his first major accolade in the category after years of nominations, and he described it as a meaningful milestone in his career. Speaking to CNA Lifestyle shortly after the ceremony, Teo confirmed that he had cast his vote for himself in the Viewers’ Choice Award category, a practice permitted under the awards’ voting rules.

“I did vote for myself,” Teo said. “It’s allowed, and I wanted to support my own work. But honestly, seeing Hong Ling win made me happier than my own win.”

Hong Ling, Teo’s wife and fellow Mediacorp artiste, won the Viewers’ Choice Award for her performance in the drama series Till the End, beating out several other nominees in a tightly contested category. Her win was widely anticipated due to strong audience engagement throughout the voting period, and she dedicated the award to her family and fans during her acceptance speech.

The couple, who married in 2020 after meeting on the set of My Guardian Angels, have frequently spoken about their mutual support in navigating the demands of the entertainment industry. Teo noted that Hong Ling had voted for him in the Viewers’ Choice category, but he chose to reciprocate by voting only for himself, a detail he shared with a smile during the interview.

“She voted for me, but I only voted for myself,” Teo said. “It’s funny, but it’s also how we keep things real. We don’t take these things for granted, but we also know how much effort goes into being nominated.”

The Star Awards 2026, organized by Mediacorp, returned to a fully live format after several years of hybrid or restricted-audience events due to public health considerations. This year’s ceremony featured performances from local and regional artists, tributes to veteran television personalities, and recognition across 23 categories, including acting, variety, and technical achievements.

Teo’s win in Best Actor was for his role in the legal drama Justice Lane, where he portrayed a determined public defender navigating systemic challenges in Singapore’s judicial system. The series, which aired on Channel 8 in late 2025, received praise for its realistic courtroom depictions and strong ensemble cast, with critics highlighting Teo’s performance as a career-defining turn.

Industry observers noted that Teo’s win reflects a broader trend of recognition for actors in socially conscious dramas at the Star Awards, following similar accolades for works addressing mental health, elder care, and urban isolation in recent years. His preparation for the role included consultations with legal aid volunteers and observations at the State Courts, which he cited in past interviews as instrumental to his approach.

Hong Ling’s winning performance in Till the End centered on a woman coping with the gradual onset of a neurodegenerative condition while maintaining her role as a mother and caregiver. The series resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and authentic portrayal of family dynamics, contributing to its strong showing in the Viewers’ Choice vote.

Both actors have been under Mediacorp management for over a decade and are regularly featured in the broadcaster’s Chinese-language drama lineup. Their dual recognition at the Star Awards 2026 underscores the continued prominence of homegrown talent in Singapore’s television landscape, particularly in narratives that prioritize relational and societal themes.

As of now, neither Teo nor Hong Ling has announced upcoming projects, though both are expected to return to filming later in 2026. Mediacorp has confirmed that the Star Awards will continue as an annual event, with the 2027 edition already in early planning stages.