In a race, only one person can clinch first place. For local actor Andie Chen, the Star Awards race has become a standard affair, but one he has yet to bring home a trophy from.

At the 30th edition of Star Awards held last night (July 6), the 40-year-old was one of five nominees for Best Actor, for his role in the Mediacorp drama Born to Shine.

However, he lost to Christopher Lee, who won for his performance in the crime series Kill Sera Sera. The 53-year-old also brought home two other awards - Best Programme Host and the Special Achievement Award.

Earlier today, Andie took to Instagram to reflect: "The ceremony ended and the music started. I sat in the audience, watching the liveliness on stage - no matter how strong the heart is, traces of loss and loneliness will still flow out in that moment.

"But I didn't lose heart. Because all these years, I've had my family, team, friends and all of you who have supported me. Every time you speak up for me, it motivates me to keep working hard. Thank you everyone.

"Setting aside my own little theatre, I really am happy to see my friends win awards. Who's not working hard for their dreams?

"Finally, to my super handsome and capable idol Christopher Lee, I'm fully convinced losing to you. Thank you for letting me see my goal. I believe that one day, I will stand beside you and we'll create amazing stories together."

Andie had been nominated for Best Actor in 2012, 2017 and 2024. He was also nominated six times for Best Supporting Actor since 2011, and was also in the running for Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2024 and this year.

Despite all the nominations, he has yet to win a Star Award.

In live footage captured during the awards ceremony, moments after veteran Hong Kong star Sean Lau announced Christopher's win, the camera panned to Andie in the audience. He was comforted by local actress Ya Hui, who clutched his shoulder and spoke to him, to which he responded with a nod and smile while clapping for the winner.

The two belong to the 2007 batch of Star Search, where Andie was crowned champion and Ya Hui a runner-up.

Others also consoled Andie, with veteran actor Chen Hanwei dedicating an Instagram post to him today.

In a picture where the two walked together backstage in their red-carpet outfits, the 55-year-old wrote: "It's not that you're bad, you're very good. Just down on a little bit of luck, Andie.

"Don't be discouraged, keep up your attitude and positive energy, because your attitude is your best feng shui. Keep working hard, and one day there'll definitely be a piece of the sky for you. Believe in yourself.

"Of course, I still have to congratulate Christopher Lee, it was well-deserved."

Hanwei himself won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Unforgivable last night, which marks his third win in the category.

On Andie's Instagram post, other local celebrities showed him their support in the comments section, including Aileen Tan, Apple Hong, Jeffrey Xu, Priscelia Chan and Xixi Lim. All were present at the awards ceremony last night.

In a video posted by 8days, Christopher and Andie were seen interacting post-show. Andie was posing for the camera when he was spotted by the award- winner, who came over for a hug.

Andie joked: "You not paiseh to come here?" before laughing and returning the embrace. Thereafter, Christopher said: "You'll surely get it next time, okay?"

kristy.chua@asiaone.com

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