LAST Sunday night found a sea of celebrities — from movies, television and music — present at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre for the prestigious annual award show, Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 31.
Local celebrities certainly stepped up their fashion game when they sashayed across the red carpet.
The men looked dapper in their sharpest suits and the ladies certainly made a fashion statement in their most glamorous and elegant custom-made ensembles.
The star-studded event was nothing short of glamour and had memorable moments that will forever be etched in the minds of viewers and fans who were either in attendance, or watched the awards show from home.
WANY’S WIN
The night was also truly memorable for its winners, namely newcomer and YouTube sensation Wany Hasrita, who took home the most coveted award of the night, the Most Popular Artiste award.
Instantly, the name Wany Hasrita was skyrocketed to a whole new level, as she joins other A-list celebrities who have won the same award such as Datuk Rosyam Nor, Ziana Zain, Shaheizy Sam and Noor Neelofa.
Wany’s win was also heavily talked about as she broke the chain of actresses and actors who have received the award for the past decade. The last time a singer won Most Popular Artiste was Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza in 2009.
Wany, who was a former medical student most known for her hit tune Menahan Rindu, described the win as a dream come true.
“Back when I was studying, I used to daydream about winning the award but I never thought my dream would become a reality. It’s really an honour for me as I didn’t expect to be giving my acceptance speech for the award on that prestigious stage!
“There are far bigger talents in the industry that deserve the award compared to me as I am still very green in the industry. Nevertheless, I’m super happy and thankful!” she said with a big smile.
The 26-year-old garnered a total of 2,052,997 votes online. She also bagged the Most Popular Female singer award, beating fellow nominees Siti Nordiana, Stacy, Ara Johari and Nur Fazura.
In addition to bringing home two trophies, Wany also drove home a Citroen C4 Picasso worth RM126,000.
For Wany, winning the award comes with a responsibility to achieve more and better herself as a singer.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the fans so I owe this to them. It’s a long journey ahead and there will be challenges I’d have to overcome but I will strive my best,” she said.
As a token of appreciation for her fans, Wany plans to host a “doa selamat” (thanksgiving ceremony) and spend time with her fans at the National Zoo for a fun day filled with various activities.
REIGN OF FATTZURA
Power couple Fattah Amin and Nur Fazura proved they were still at the top of their game when both bagged the Most Popular TV Actor and Actress awards.
The lovebirds also earned the Popular On-Screen award for the hit TV drama series Hero Seorang Cinderella.
Fattah and Fazura said that the win meant a lot to them and that they are thankful to the show as it brought them together.
“Hero Seorang Cinderella is very close to our hearts as it brought 1,001 sweet memories for us both. That was where we laid eyes on each other, became friends, fell in love and then became husband and wife.”
Fazura said she felt very touched by her fans’ continuous support.
“Seeing my fans vote for me night and day, I was extremely moved by their efforts. They are my strength,” she said.
BITTERSWEET WIN
Winning the Most Popular Film Actor award for the second time was sweet success for Zul Ariffin but the actor couldn’t help but wish his late mother was there to celebrate with him.
“Last year, when I won the award, I was able to thank her and celebrate the award with her but not this time around,” he said.
OH-SO-VERSATILE ALIF
Meanwhile, Alif Satar walked away that night with the Most Versatile Artiste award with a big smile.
In his words, Alif said that winning the award was “so worth it” after working tirelessly in the entertainment industry.
“I started out as a singer, then I moved on to acting and hosting. It is indeed an interesting journey and a tiring one but so worth it when my fans recognise and appreciate the work that I do,” he said.
“It’s not easy to please everyone but my fans have been extremely supportive since day one. Stay true to yourself, have a good heart and great things will happen,” he said.