November 16, 2001

Last year, they were Best Actor and Best Actress. This year, they are not even in the running for the titles. But no worries, they say, as there will always be next year.

By Yap Geok Hui
Partial pictures provided by MediaCorp Studios

The entertainment circle is a unique industry, unlike other industries. To succeed, hard work and capability are not the only important elements. More often than not, luck plays a big part.

You need luck to come across a good role for you to give full rein to your acting abilities, a good script, a good director and good crew and cast to bring out the best in the production.

Mr Kiasu not the least kiasu about awards
Last year, Chew Chor Meng and Ivy Lee were crowned Best Actor and Best Actress based on their stellar performances in Hainan Kopi Tales and Angel's Dream respectively.

However, they are nowhere on the nomination list for the titles this year.

"Well, I have no Channel 8 productions this year. I was only involved in Mr Kiasu (a Channel 5 production, which is not considered in the Star Awards) and Variety programme, Tonight With Chor Meng. That's why it is not surprising at all that I'm not on the list. I don't even have any production," says Chor Meng.

To this actor who has been in showbiz since he clinched the trophy in Star Search 1990, not being nominated is no big deal. After all, he did not go into any production with the hope that he can clinch an award.

"I would start filming for Mr Kiasu 2 in December. To me, that is recognition too."

But he did feel a little disappointed that Tonight With Chor Meng, an infotainment programme that introduced viewers to relatively unknown spots and industries which operate at night, is not in the running for Best Variety Programme.

"This programme is rather innovative, it's a new concept, so it seems like a pity that it had not been nominated. As for Best Variety Show Host, I didn't dare hope to be nominated, not with all these experienced hosts around," he laughs.

Well, good programmes would not go unnoticed. Tonight With Chor Meng is nominated for both Best Infotainment Programme and Most Innovative Programme in the Asian Television Awards.

Also, the programme is vying for Best Variety Idea Architect, in recognition for the efforts of the people behind the production.

This popular actor, who had been the proud recipient of Most Popular Male Artistes every year since Star Awards began in 1994 expresses that it is no pity that he concentrated on expanding his profile into hosting and acting on Channel 5 so much so that he has no time for Channel 8 productions.

"I am satisfied with my results this year. I am happy."

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