Star Awards First-Time Winner Brandon Wong Says Someone Asked Him If He's “Not-Here-Not-There After So Long" Because He "Doesn't Know How To Suck Up".

Brandon Wong is really popular. And we’re not even referring to his maiden Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste win. We know the veteran actor is well-loved among his colleagues and peers because the cheers and applause that erupted when the actor’s name was announced was nothing short of exuberant.

It was arguably the most heartfelt moment of the night, to see a 50-year-old actor honored for the first time after 27 years in showbiz, validated by the people with whom he worked most closely.

The actor, the last male artiste to be anointed to the Top 10 list, was moved to tears even before he started on his speech.

So Ang [red], for good luck?

When 8days.sg caught up with him after the show, he told us he wanted to take the opportunity to express his gratitude to all the people he didn't manage to thank because he was, well, busy sobbing.

Asked if he was dressed in traffic-stopping red for good luck, the actor, who was obviously in a very good mood, joked, "I feel that I'm not hong [‘famous’] enough so I have to wear hong [‘red’]. (laughs)"

He just couldn't stop the happy tears

8DAYS: Congratulations on your win! How does it feel to be a double winner tonight, having clinched the My Pick! Most Hated Villain award earlier?

"I was so agitated and cried so badly just now, I feel so embarrassed. But the past 27 years really weren't easy. Finally, step by step, for the first time I received everyone's recognition. This isn't a feeling many people can understand, Especially for the ones who've had it easy since the start. That's why I was so emotional that I forgot to thank a lot of people."

So who do you wish to thank?

"I was busy trying to hold back my emotions, but I really want to thank all the people who've helped me and given me opportunities in the past 27 years. And I, cross my heart, never let any of those roles or the production teams down."

27 years is a really long time. Did you ever feel like giving up?

"It's because of my love for performing, that's why I pushed on. I kept telling myself, if God wanted to give you something big, he would first have to put you through the mill. There was a period when I was taking roles that were not significant enough to even be called supporting roles, but I still did my best. I feel that no matter how big or small, if you do [your job] well, there will be people who can see it. So today I'm really happy because people finally saw [the effort I've put in].

What moved me even more was seeing that everyone, be they my seniors or juniors, was happy for me. Not only did I win the award, I earned everyone's respect too. From the moment my nomination was announced, so many people congratulated, encouraged and voted for me. I feel that my 27 years of hard work have not been for nothing."

Did the overwhelming support make you extra nervous though?

"I've always been very chill about awards. For the past 27 years I was happy just cheering for my colleagues. (laughs) But this year I truly felt everyone's love and support, and I was very afraid that I would let them down if I didn't win. I was touched and also relieved that I didn't disappoint them."

So how are you going to celebrate?

"The first thing when I reach home will definitely be to see my loved ones. Before I left the house today, my youngest, who's only in Primary Six, ran over on his own to give me a hug and said ‘Daddy, good luck!’. Then he was followed by his brothers, then my wife. So I really want to go home and give them a big hug.

After this, to all my friends and family who've helped to vote for me, as long as I meet them, I'll treat them to a good meal. Guess I might go bankrupt (laughs)"

Why do you think it took you so long to win an award?

"Someone once asked, ‘Why is Brandon still not-here-not-there after so long? Is it because he doesn't know how to suck up?’ That really hit me, but I just can't bring myself to do all the PR.

Maybe the odds were not in my favour in the past. I've been nominated for Best Supporting Actor many times; Best Actor too, but for some reason it just never happened for me. But I think that's good too – all these years people felt that it was a pity for me, and now that I've won, they think it's well-deserved.

Recently I've been given more opportunities too, such as the villain in both Recipe Of Life and The Peculiar Pawnbroker, as well as the kind-hearted props master in Leave No Soul Behind. People could see the different possibilities I can bring to the table and the effort I put in, so they feel that ‘it's time to give him some recognition’."

Your time has finally come, Brandon!

The repeat telecast for the Walk of Fame and Award Ceremony will air on Ch 8 from 2pm - 6.30pm on May 1 (Sunday).

Photos: Mediacorp / Photo Unit