Zong Zijie Was So Shocked By His Top 10 Win, He Thought He Took A Selfie With Chow Yun Fat... But Didn’t Actually Take Out His Phone

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It's been more than an hour since NoonTalk Media actor Zong Zijie received his first ever Star Awards Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste trophy, but the 29-year-old still looks like he’s in a daze.

When 8days.sg caught up with him, he was standing quietly at the side of the media foyer, seemingly lost in his thoughts, clutching his award with a tight smile.

Why so serious, Zijie?

“To be honest, I didn't think I would win an award this year," he says, still processing his win.

"In previous years, I felt more confident. But this year, I had this mindset that maybe I’m just not fated to get anything.”

This was Zijie’s third Top 10 nomination. He first gained attention in 2018 when he was nominated for Best Newcomer for his role as an ex-convict with dreams of becoming a professional swimmer in While We Are Young.

Surely winning when you least expect it makes it all the sweeter?

At this, Zijie gives an embarrassed smile and thanks us for the kind words.

He admits the whole night feels like a blur. When his name was announced, his first thought was: “I need to get a selfie with Chow Yun Fat!”

And he did… or so he thought.

“[Afterwards] I realised I did not take the picture,” he recounts.

In fact, a look back at the show's footage showed that he didn’t even take out his phone. Um, so he imagined he did?

Still, receiving his award from Fat Gor himself was surreal enough. “It felt unreal,” he says.

Was it the missed selfie that had him looking so pensive? We try to lighten the mood by asking if he's shared the good news with his family and friends. After all, this was a moment worth celebrating.

“I have not looked at my messages or called anyone. Not even my mum,” he admits.

"What if I don’t get the Top 10 or any award next year? I am afraid of bigger disappointments."

He also gives a heartfelt shout-out to his fans, who, he shares, went above and beyond for him this year.

“I saw how hard they worked, and some even took leave from their jobs to spend the day voting for me. Thinking about it now, I'm more worried about them being upset if I don’t get anything,” he says.

But that’s a worry for another day. For now, Zijie, don’t forget to enjoy your moment.

Photos: Mediacorp Photo Unit

Rewatch Zijie’s first Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste win on mewatch or in the video below: