November 21, 2001

Before the heat goes up on the actual night, let us take a look at the hot favourites and dark horses of Star Awards 2001.

By Yap Geok Hui

Best Supporting Actor / Actress
Best Comedy Performer / Drama / Theme Song
Best Variety Show Host / Variety Programme / Variety Special
Best News & Current Affairs Presenter / Most Popular Newcomer / Top 10 Most Popular Male / Female Artistes
Most Popular Male / Female Artiste / Drama Series (Malaysia)

As soon as the nomination list was disclosed every year, the public and the insiders of the industry alike would be making their own speculations on the winners.

This has become almost like an expected ritual every year. So we join in the fun and make our own speculations on who would be stealing the limelight on November 25.

Best Actor
Chen Hanwei (Love Me, Love Me Not)
Christopher Lee (Looking For Stars)
Edmund Chen (Beyond The Axis Of Truth)
Huang Wenyong (Three Women And A Half)
Li Nanxing (Dare To Strike)

Hot Favourite: Chen Hanwei
Besides his hilarious image and body language, Hanwei 's success lies in his complete overhaul. There is no trace of his real self, much less any from previous roles he had done. He had totally transformed into his role. This being Hanwei's biggest breakthrough in his acting career showbiz, he's our pick for Best Actor.

Dark Horse: Huang Wenyong
He has successfully cast his alter ego, Huang Jinlai (Don't Worry, Be Happy) aside and immersed himself into the role of the mawkish househusband. His apt portrayal, 21 years of hard work and goody image adds up to a potent formula, which may very well be looked upon favourably by the panels of judges.

Artistes' votes:
Terence Cao: Nanxing or Hanwei
Huang Biren: Hanwei or Nanxing
Ivy Lee: Chen Hanwei
Mark Lee: Hanwei
Dasmond Koh: Hanwei
Li Lin: Wenyong
Vincent Ng: Nanxing or Wenyong
Zoe Tay: Hanwei
Christopher Lee: Wenyong or Hanwei
Cynthia Koh: Hanwei or Chris
Chen Tianwen: Wenyong or Edmund Chen

Best Actress
Aileen Tan (Three Women And A Half)
Chen Liping (Beyond The Axis Of Truth)
Fann Wong (Heroes In Black)
Huang Biren (Three Women And A Half)
Zoe Tay (The Stratagem)

Hot Favourite: Aileen Tan
Among the nominees, Aileen has the highest chances of being crowned. Her acting skills are without doubt. She has always been rated favourably among viewers and her role is fleshy and has depth. Moreover, the recent telecast of Three Women And A Half left her performance fresh in the mind of viewers, unlike The Stratagem, which is almost a year ago.

Dark Horse: Chen Liping
Although she had only appeared in a couple of episodes in one of the stories of Beyond The Axis Of Truth, but her eye-popping image and portrayal leaves a deep impression in viewers' minds. The role confirms that Liping is not only capable of comedies and light-hearted roles.

Artistes' votes:
Terence Cao: Fann
Huang Biren: Everyone has a chance
Ivy Lee: Aileen
Dasmond Koh: Liping
Vincent Ng: Chen Liping or Aileen Tan
Li Lin: Aileen
Huang Wenyong: Aileen
Chen Tianwen: Aileen
Zoe Tay: Liping
Christopher Lee: Fann or Aileen
Cynthia Koh: Fann or Aileen
Mark Lee: Aileen Tan

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