Ferlyn G Not Nominated For Best Actress At Star Awards; Says Online Praise She Got For Her Performance Is "Already A Huge Affirmation"

With the Star Awards 2026 performance category nominations revealed, it’s no surprise that everyone is discussing who received a nod — and, well, who didn’t.

One name that stood out was local actress Ferlyn G, whom many had expected to receive a Best Actress nomination this year after starring in two dramas: Mediacorp blockbuster Emerald Hill and The Spirit Hunter.

Her snub was particularly notable given that this year’s Best Actress nominees include her Emerald Hill co-stars Chantalle Ng, Jesseca Liu and Tasha Low, who are up against her The Spirit Hunter co-star Hong Ling and Perfectly Imperfect’s Cheryl Chou.

Many have since taken to social media to voice their support for the 34-year-old former Skarf member, especially praising her striking performance as Zhou Hongyu, a notorious prostitute who gets entangled with the Zhangs in Emerald Hill.

When 8days.sg reached out to Ferlyn, she candidly tells us that she's "very grateful and truly thankful to everyone who feels that way".

"To be thought of and supported like this is already a huge affirmation for me. Awards are a form of encouragement, but what matters most to me is that the work is seen and that the characters resonate with audiences."

Ferlyn assures that she'll carry everyone's support with her, continue to work hard, and "hopefully repay that belief, celebrate together with further milestones."

While the actress was quite calm and grounded before the announcement, and told herself that the work had already been done regardless of the outcome, she admits that of course "there is always a small sense of disappointment when you don't see your name there".

"But beyond that, I feel proud of the work I’ve done. Both projects meant a lot to me, and I gave them my full commitment," she says.

"If I could say something to myself, it would be: stay focused on the craft, remain patient, and trust that the right recognition will come at the right time."

That said, Ferlyn was "genuinely touched" that some people thought of her when they saw the nomination list.

"That meant a lot. It reminded me that there are expectations and support for me out there, and that encouragement is something I don’t take for granted," she says.

There were three actresses from Emerald Hill that are nominated under the Best Actress category, was Ferlyn disheartened that she isn't one of them?

"I truly respect all the nominees, and each of them delivered strong, deserving performances," she asserts.

"I’m grateful to have been part of Emerald Hill and The Spirit Hunter, and to witness firsthand how much heart and effort everyone pours into their work. Being part of that collective experience already means a lot to me."

Ferlyn also doesn't think there's anything she would change about her performance in terms of character portrayal.

"I don’t see the absence of a nomination as meaning that I did something wrong. The character was entrusted to me with confidence, and I approached it with sincerity and responsibility," she explains. "I gave it my very best, and I’m grateful that the performance resonated with many viewers and touched hearts in its own way."

Despite her snub under the Best Actress category, Ferlyn does have a shot at winning the Best Original Song this year for her performance of 'Yi Jian Shi Jian', the theme song for The Spirit Hunter.

The contenders in the category this year are: 'Echoes Of Petals' (Emerald Hill) by Kit Chan, 'Gui Ling' (Another Wok Of Life) by Bonnie Loo, I Believe I Can Fly Uncle Still Got It (I Believe I Can Fly) by Chen Hanwei, Thomas Ong, Brandon Wong, Cavin Soh and Yao Wen Long, as well as 'Thief Of Fate' (Fixing Fate) by Shelby Wang.

What does it feel like to be going against the legendary Kit Chan?

"Kit Chan is someone many of us grew up listening to and deeply respecting. I don’t see it as 'going up against' her, but rather being part of a lineup of artists who’ve each contributed something special and heartfelt last year," she says.

She also tries not to think too much about the odds.

"For me, being nominated already feels incredibly meaningful. Creating this song with my team was such a sincere and personal process, and having it recognised in this way already feels like a win."

As for the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artiste award, which nominees would be announced at a later date, Ferlyn similarly remains unfazed.

"It would be nice to bring that home, but I’m also very at peace. It’s nice to feel encouraged, but I’ve learned to stay grounded and let things unfold naturally," she tells us.

"No matter the outcome, I’ll continue focusing on doing meaningful work and growing as an actress."