Chen Hanwei Responds To Debate Over Veteran Actors “Stepping Down” At Star Awards: “I Persist Because Of Support”

The Star Awards 2026 nominee list is now out, and though Emerald Hill has dominated with nods in almost every acting category, artistes from popular dramas like Another Wok of Life and The Gift of Time also made the cut.

Among them is seven-time Best Actor Chen Hanwei. The 56-year-old Ah Ge was, once again, nominated for Best Actor for his performance as a terminally ill cancer patient in The Gift of Time.

You see, not long after the noms were announced, it was revealed that Xie Shaoguang, 64, Hanwei’s co-star in the show, had asked to be left out of the Star Awards nominations as he considers himself “semi-retired.”

"I would rather the spotlight be left to the outstanding actors who are actively working now, so they may have more opportunities to shine," he said.

Shaoguang's appearance in the drama marked his long-awaited return since leaving showbiz in 2005, and fans were super hyped at the idea of Hanwei going head-to-head with him at this year’s awards. But alas, the actor decided that the awards were no longer for him. 

The news sparked a heated online debate, with the conversation quickly involving Hanwei and his 16th Best Actor nomination. Many debated over whether he should take a page from Shaoguang’s book and step aside to give younger actors a shot at the title as well. 

Speaking to Zaobao about his nomination and Shaoguang’s withdrawal, Hanwei said: "I'm very grateful just to be nominated, it's the warmest encouragement I can receive. I persist because of [the] support, and I am thankful for everyone's trust."

Does that mean Hanwei plans to stay in the running because of his supporters?

Turns out, Hanwei had actually given his stance on the topic during an interview with Zaobao three years ago. 

When asked for his view on whether he should withdraw from the awards, he explained: “The company has their own plans and standpoints. You can’t withdraw just because you were nominated and didn’t win, or because you keep winning. Unless it’s like the Most Popular Artiste award, where the company specifies that after 10 wins you can’t be nominated again, I must respect the company’s system."

He added: "If other actors stopped after winning several awards, then who would compete in the future?”

Still, some netizens have opined that Hanwei should “step aside” to give younger artistes a chance to shine, while others have continued to express disappointment that they won’t get to see what they were hoping would be a showdown between Hanwei and Shaoguang after all.