Zhu Zeliang and Ivory Chia on Their Star Awards Nominations

Why It Matters

The addition of a micro‑drama category validates short‑form video as a mainstream revenue stream, and highlights the rise of young, cross‑platform talent shaping future content strategies.

Key Takeaways

• New micro‑drama category highlights Media Corp’s mobile‑first strategy
• Actors say micro‑dramas demand exaggerated, fast‑paced performances on screen
• Emerald Hill leads nominations with 17 nods across nine categories
• Young star Ivory Chia balances school, acting with family support
• Awards emphasize both industry recognition and audience popularity

Summary

The Star Awards 2026 ceremony, hosted by Media Corp, introduces a new Best Micro‑Drama category, reflecting the broadcaster’s push into short‑form, mobile‑first storytelling. Nominees include Talyang from “Yesansan” and ten‑year‑old actress Ivory Chia, who appears in the heavily‑nominated series “Emerald Hill.”

Both guests explain how micro‑dramas, typically one to two minutes long, require rapid narrative beats and more exaggerated acting than traditional serials. “You have to give the audience something fast, catchy, exciting,” Talyang says, noting the freedom to push boundaries on social platforms. “Emerald Hill” leads the field with 17 nominations across nine categories, underscoring its broad appeal.

Ivory highlights the challenge of balancing schoolwork with filming, crediting her mother for logistical support. She also reflects on the dual nature of awards: “Recognition from veterans feels like a shot in the arm, while popularity awards prove we’re reaching audiences.” The interview captures candid remarks about plot twists in “Falling for the CEO’s Son” and the personal pride of a young performer.

The ceremony signals a strategic shift toward bite‑size content that can capture mobile viewers, while also showcasing emerging talent like Ivory Chia. For advertisers and producers, the new category offers a testing ground for brand integration and audience engagement metrics, potentially reshaping Singapore’s Chinese‑language entertainment landscape.

Original Description

The annual celebration of local Chinese entertainment returns this weekend, with a new Best Microdrama category, marking Mediacorp's push into bite-sized storytelling. Star Awards 2026 takes place this Sunday at The Theatre at Mediacorp. Emerald Hill: The Little Nyonya Story continues its strong showing, leading with 17 nominations across nine categories. CNA spoke to two of the nominees, Zhu Zeliang from YES 93.3 and Ivory Chia, who plays a young version of the lead character in Emerald Hill.