Dressed up to the Nine
Star-studded awards honour the best in Thai music, television and movies
Held last Thursday at the Thailand Cultural Centre, this year’s edition of the Nine Entertain Awards was every bit as star-studded as the Grammys, though it takes the prize-giving beyond just music by also recognising the best in television and movies.
Fashion took its own bow, with actresses Usamanee “Khwan” Waitayanon, Atthama “Bowie” Chiwanitchaphan, Viritipa “Woonsen” Pakdeeprasong, and Pitchanart “May” Sakhakorn all attired in seriously sexy dresses.
The ceremony kicked off promptly at 8 with veteran vocalist Maleewan “Mint” Jemina crooning out the Awards’ theme song “Duay Huajai”.
Before the announcement of the 10 official categories, actress-turned-director Anne thongprasom was honoured with the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s “Phra Rajathan Bantherng Therd Tham” special award.
“I’m so excited,” said Anne. “It’s a real honour for me and for my family to receive this award.”
Worrawech “Dan” Danuwong and Kawee “Beam” Tanjararak, former members of RS Public’s popular boy band D2B, reunited to announce young duo New-Jew as the winner of Duo/Group Artist of the Year.
“We have been in the entertainment industry for 10 years and thank everybody for seeing the value of our work,” said New, raising the trophy high above her head.
Wutitorn “Woody” Milintajinda, producer of “Kerd Ma Khui” and “Chao Doo Woody”, was named Television Host of the Year.
Ben Chalathit sang the covers of the five numbers nominated for Song of the Year, with “The Star” commentators Ornapa “Ma” Krisadee and Phech Mar replacing him on stage to announce that Getsunova’s “Klai Khae Nai Khue Klai” had picked up the prize.”
Actresses Woonsen and May announced the winner of the Creative Team of the Year, which went to Workpoint’s programme “Vittaya Suprayoot”, while luk thung star Apaporn Nakhonsawan and child actor Intouch “Pooh” Sermsukcharoenchai announced Apiwach “Stamp” Eueathawornsuk as Singer of the Year.
Nakorn “Ple” Silachai, who was accompanied by his wife and two sons, was announced the second special award, “Family of the Year”, which went to the Sangworibut family.
“I am so very glad that people in the field of entertainment are paying attention to our family, thank to Nine Entertain,” said Phirat, standing in between Sayam and Sayom.
Channels 3 and 7 merged for the next award, with Pakorn “Boy” Chatborirak joining actresses Khwan Usamanee and Fonthip “Pukluk” Watcharatrakul to name “Amdang Muean Kab Nai Rid” Television Drama of the Year.
“Thank you everybody for giving me a chance to stand on this stage,” said director Sathaporn nakwilairoj, who went on to express his appreciation to Nine Entertain Awards, his wife and children, his parents, ML Bhandevanov Devakula and Thai PBS.
Singer and actor Sukrit “Bie” Wisetkaew announced the third special award, Behind-the-Scenes Person of the Year, which went to Orapan “Nid” Watcharapol.
“I would like to share my joy with all those who work behind our dramas and of course, my family and friends for their support over the last 30 years,” said a visibly emotional Orapan.
Chaiyapol “New” Poupart, who was wearing the same traditional Thai costume as he wore for the red carpet at last month’s Oscar ceremony, named the spiritual road-trip film “Shambhala” as Movie of the Year.
The last special award, Creativity of the Year, went to Workpoint’s first animated feature film, “Yak: The Giant King”.
“Thanks to Nine Entertain for giving me this award. It will make the kids all over the country feel happy,” said director Prapas Cholsaranon. “I devote this award to everyone who loves animation.”
Actor of the Year went to the year went to Boy Pakorn and Sirapan Watanajinda picked up Actress of the Year.
The last show of the night was performed by young talents from KPN, “Academy Fantasia” and “The Star”, before two young actors Thana “Bom” Aiemniyom and Pachara “Peach” Chirathivat came up to stage with the name of the winner of People’s Choice. Once again, it was Sukrit “Bie” Wisetkaew.
“I feel amazing that I have received this award for five years in a row,” said Bie. Thanks to Exact, Scenario, and GMM Grammy as well as to all those who have encouraged and supported me.”
