#SHOWBIZ: Anna dedicates AMT 2026 win to 'strong, female leads'

POPULAR actress Anna Jobling, 26, proved to be the crowd favourite at TV3's Anugerah Melodi Terhangat 2026 (AMT 2026), sweeping both the main AMT 2026 award and the Hottest Feminine Celebrity title at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC) in Shah Alam recently.

Dressed in a stylish flowing white outfit, the natural beauty warm-heartedly embraced reigning winner Daiyan Trisha on stage before dedicating her win to industry peers and female empowerment.

"Thank you so much, this is a very special night for me. This award means so much to me, as it's a recognition of my years of hard work to establish myself as a serious actress,: said Anna, who recently starred in 'Duyung 2'.

"I would also love to dedicate this award to all actresses who thrive in portraying strong female leads. You inspire me so much. My biggest wish is to see better female representation in cinema and television, with characters who are independent, well-rounded and show character growth."

Anna, who also thanked the cast and crew of her hit drama 'Yes Captain Zul Aaryan', expressed her desire to branch out further into film.

"My next move is to star in more films and step out of my television comfort zone. No, I am not in a hurry to be a major film actress, but I believe that I must always step up and do better the next day."

Her star vehicle, 'Yes Captain Zul Aaryan', also struck gold by clinching the Hottest Drama title.

Director Nizam Zakaria praised the ensemble cast for giving "200 per cent to every episode", noting that the series offered a meaningful look into modern Malaysian life alongside its romantic comedy beats.

The night featured several other notable triumphs. Singer-actor Zaki Yamani Abdillah, the 20-year-old son of pop icon Datuk Jamal Abdillah, bagged the Hottest Newcomer award.

Dedicating it to his family, Zaki remarked: "It's a proud moment for me, a night I'll cherish forever. Dad always encouraged me to be myself and carve my own path in showbiz. I'm doing just that and I pray that I will get better with experience."

Meanwhile, popular actor Fattah Amin successfully defended his crown as the Hottest Masculine Celebrity.

Attributing his red-carpet appearance to his wife, Amira, who stepped in as his makeup artist for the evening, Fattah advised up-and-coming talents: "As an entertainer, you must look your best, for that's what an entertainer is all about!"

In the music categories, rock singer Amir Masdi scored the Hottest Song accolade for 'Nurcinta'. Reflecting on his decade-long journey since winning Akademi Fantasia 13, Amir credited his mentor, Dato Shake, for advising him to develop a distinct musical identity.

Other key winners included 'Neraka Yang Terhijab' (Hottest Tonton Original), 'Meerqeen' (Hottest Stylo Celebrity), 'Aisha Retno' (Hottest Viral Celebrity), 'Khai Bahar' (Hottest Music Celebrity), and Hael Husaini (Hottest Inspirational Celebrity).

Accepting on behalf of 'Neraka Yang Terhijab', actress Ezzanie Jasny highlighted the drama's poignant message addressing child abuse and social awareness.

Hosted by Kamal Adli and Ain Edruce under the theme "Power", the three-hour extravaganza celebrated massive popularity across 16 categories, featuring energetic banter and star-studded award presenters such as Siti Saleha Baharom, Erra Fazira, Datuk Rosyam Nor, and Janna Nick.

The ceremony was further elevated by high-octane performances from Dolla, Bunga, Luqman Podolski, and Haqiem Rusli.

A standout nostalgic medley of Too Phat's 'Alhamdulillah' by Alyph, Yasin Sulaiman, and K.O.I earned a standing ovation, alongside a vocal showcase from power vocalists Ernie Zakri, Adira Suhaimi, and Nadeera Zaini.

Veteran songstress Misha Omar also captivated the audience with timeless renditions of 'Semoga Abadi' and 'Sampai Bila'.