Before Hong Ling had even gone up to collect her very first Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes trophy at last night’s Star Awards 2021, the usually cool, calm, and composed 26-year-old already looked like she was about to burst into tears (of joy, of course).

And the waterworks started as soon as she was in front of the microphone, wielding her shiny new accolade, the first in her eight-year showbiz career (not counting the Tokyo Bust Express Sexy Babe Award she received at Star Awards 2015, at least).

As it turns out, crying was not something Hong Ling had expected to do, as she revealed on stage and in her post-win interview with 8days.sg.

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While she initially had high hopes of winning ‘cos of the barrage of messages from fans and friends saying that they would work hard to vote for her (she said she never got such ardent support the last two times she competed in the Top 10), her faith dwindled as more and more names that weren’t hers were called out.

“I thought that they would announce the first-time winners at the very beginning, so by the time they got to the sixth name, I just gave up,” she recalled.

The next thing she knew, guest presenter Ella Chen, who appeared via satellite from Taiwan, called out Hong Ling’s name. She was lucky number seven.

“Wah, can you imagine hearing your name being called just as you had decided to give up? I became overwhelmed with relief,” said Hong Ling. “I’m not someone who cries easily and I’d always pictured myself being very cool and confident while receiving an award on stage, but it just happened. (Laughs)”

8 DAYS: Congratulations! You were really emotional during your acceptance speech. Is there anyone you accidentally left out?

HONG LING: I remembered to mention everyone, but I’m not very happy with my acceptance speech. After coming down from the stage, I saw the video of myself and it made me feel very embarrassed and ashamed ‘cos that is not what I expected.

Whenever I dreamt about winning awards in the past, I always imagined myself speaking very confidently, so if I ever get the chance to win an award again, I will make sure to give my speech very properly and calmly. (Laughs)

In your speech, after thanking viewers for liking you, you said, “To those who don’t like me, it’s okay, I hope that one day, my work will move you.” What sort of hate have you encountered?

I once saw a comment online saying that my acting in My Guardian Angels was really bad and that I wasn’t suitable for this industry, which made me very sad ‘cos that was a show I put 101 per cent of my effort in.

Then, when someone replied saying, “Oh, maybe it’s ‘cos she’s new”, the other person wrote back, “Huh? Seven years is new?” It was very demoralising, but now I’ve just learnt to accept it and work on improving myself.

What made you decide to wear a tuxedo this year? Do you regret not wearing a gown since you went on stage to receive an award?

Not at all! I was happily telling everyone about how comfortable I was ‘cos the other ladies were holding their big dresses while walking in their heels, which is actually very difficult.

My stylist is the one who suggested I wear a suit ‘cos I said that I wanted something very comfortable that I wouldn’t need to drag around in the airport.

What other goals or awards do you wish to achieve in the future?

I really want to win Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress. Even getting nominated would make me so happy. And I won’t cry on stage next time!

Catch up on the Star Awards 2021 on meWATCH here.

Photos: Mediacorp photo unit