Andie Chen says he ‘won’t attend next year’ after Star Awards 2026 loss

The Paradox of Performance and Recognition in the Arts

For many professionals in the entertainment industry, there is a long-standing belief that peak performance naturally leads to industry recognition. However, the reality is often more complex. When an actor focuses solely on giving their best performance, they may eventually find that the world of awards and accolades does not operate on a simple meritocracy.

Consider the trajectory of Chen, who has been acting since the age of 11 and working with Mediacorp since he was 19. Despite a career spanning decades and joining Star Search in 2007, the gap between nominations and wins can create a significant emotional weight.

Chen’s experience highlights a poignant trend: the struggle to reconcile professional dedication with a lack of formal trophies. With 11 nominations in acting categories—seven for Best Supporting Actor and four for Best Actor—and six nominations for the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste, the absence of a Star Awards trophy serves as a “loud and clear” message that can lead to deep reflection upon reaching a milestone age.

Prioritizing Wellness Over Visibility

A growing trend among seasoned performers is the decision to step back from the public eye to prioritize mental health and self-care. The pressure to attend high-profile ceremonies, even when nominated, can become overwhelming when the emotional cost outweighs the professional benefit.

Chen’s decision to skip next year’s ceremony because he “needs a break” and needs to “start taking care of myself” signals a shift in how artists view their relationship with industry events. Instead of viewing attendance as a mandatory obligation for visibility, there is a move toward setting boundaries to prevent burnout.

This shift is critical, especially for those who have spent the majority of their lives in the spotlight. When 90% of a professional’s life operate is tied to a single company, the emotional entanglement can be intense, making a strategic break essential for long-term sustainability.

The Psychology of Peer Success

Navigating the success of peers can be one of the most challenging aspects of a long-term career. For example, Chen’s peer Desmond Tan, who was part of the same Star Search 2007 batch, has achieved Best Actor wins and secured his 10th Top 10 award. Similarly, Ya Hui is moving toward the All-Time Favourite Artiste status after her 10th Top 10 win.

The ability to move past envy and feel genuine happiness for others—as Chen expresses—is a hallmark of professional maturity. This emotional evolution allows artists to detach their self-worth from the trophies won by their colleagues.

Navigating Career Longevity at 40+

Entering the 40s often triggers a period of existential auditing. For actors, this means questioning if the “sole job” of performing is enough or if a broader understanding of the industry is required.

The fragility of life and career is a sobering reminder for those in this age bracket. While some 41-year-old actors like Lucas Grabeel or Pio Marmaï continue to build their portfolios, others, such as Malayalam TV actor Sidharth Venugopal, have tragically succumbed to illness at this same age. These realities often accelerate the desire to prioritize health and personal well-being over professional accolades.

The Risk of Corporate Dependency

Spending the vast majority of a career within one organization can provide stability, but it also increases the emotional pain when the “message” from that organization feels negative. Diversifying one’s professional identity beyond a single company can support artists maintain a healthier psychological distance from corporate recognition systems.

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