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 Comedy Performer
Fiona Xie (My Genie)
Huang Wenyong (Don't Worry, Be Happy V)
Huang Yiliang (My Genie)
San Yow (My Genie)
Sharon Au (The Right Frequency)

Hot Favourite: San Yow
As can be seen from the nominees, My Genie is clearly the winner, if not for its popularity (ratings), then for its freshness (the rest are off screen for a long time). Both 3 nominees for My Genie stand a good chance of clinching the title.

However, my vote goes to San Yow for giving a lovable side to the otherwise irking, selfish and lazy Jian Yuanbao. Besides, he delivered punch lines effectively with accurate comic timing.

Dark Horse(s): Fiona Xie and Huang Yiliang
Fiona Xie is the most happening actress in 2001. From a nobody to the well known little adorable genie, her popularity has been soaring and she is among the Top 20 Most Popular Female Artistes. Though she is too new and her Mandarin and acting needs much polishing, Fiona Power may very well overcome the odds and emerge the winner.

Huang Yiliang's main role after coming back to MediaCorp is the fierce but greedy 54088 (genie leader). A veteran actor, his acting ability may very well win approval from the judges.

Artistes' votes
Vincent Ng: Huang Yiliang
San Yow: Yiliang
Dasmond Koh: Fiona
Fiona Xie: Huang Yiliang
Ivy Lee: Yiliang

Best Drama
Beyond The Axis Of Truth
Heroes In Black
In Pursuit Of Peace
Looking For Stars
Three Women And A Half

Hot Favourite: In Pursuit Of Peace
All along, dramas set in the good ole' days of the 30s to the 60s are more likely to win this award. Look at Tofu Street (1996), Price Of Peace (1997), Stepping Out (1999) and Hainan Kopi Tales (2000) - 4 years out of 6, such dramas won Best Drama.

Such dramas are warm-hearted and nostalgic, which invariably goes down well with local audience and notwithstanding the level of difficulty in shooting as much research into the era goes into the film.

The heart-wrenching In Pursuit Of Peace which is based on World War II is a production of substance with a good script and able actors. No surprises if it nabs the award hands down.

Dark Horse: Three Women And A Half
Though a small production in budget and scale, this drama consisting of mostly veterans with good acting skills have made it into the hearts of viewers. Depicting realistically the corporate world and increasing capabilities of women, it has won high ratings as well as good reviews from viewers and insiders alike.

Artistes' votes
Li Lin: "Three Women And A Half because I heard it is good."
Chen Tianwen: "In Pursuit Of Peace because it's well-filmed."
Vincent Ng: "Heroes In Black because I'm in it."
Terence Cao: "Looking At Stars because it's a fresh idea."
Tay Ping Hui: "I support The Stratagem because I'm in it."
Christopher Lee: "Looking At Stars because it is a beautiful love story."
Huang Biren: "Three Women And A Half"
Dasmond Koh: "Three Women And A Half"
Ivy Lee: "Beyond The Axis Of Truth because the script is good and creative."

Best Theme Song
Heroes In Black
Master Swordsman Lu Xiaofeng 2
Through Thick And Thin
Three Women And A Half
The Challenge

Hot Favourite: The Challenge
It is a difficult decision. Without a musical background, this prediction is as good as yours. Nevertheless as Li Lin quipped, this award would go to The Challenge as a form of consolation for not making it in other categories. On a serious note, this theme song by William So is catchy and makes a great impression on me the first time I heard it.

Dark Horse: Heroes In Black
This catchy tune sang by Fann Wong is so familiar that even kids can hum it. It definitely is tailor-made for a light comedy such as Heroes In Black. Most importantly, the song is very much associated with the drama.

Artistes' votes
Li Lin: "The Challenge because they have to let it win as the serial didn't make it to the bigger awards."

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