SHAH ALAM: Popular television and film star Anna Jobling bagged the main title at the Anugerah Melodi Terhangat 2026 (AMT 2026) last night.
The 26-year-old actress, known for her roles in drama series Yes Captain Zul Aaryan and fantasy film Duyung 2, picked up her first AMT title at the annual awards show held at the Selangor International Trade Centre.
"Thank you, my dearest fans from around Malaysia. It's such an honour to be a part of this category," said Anna upon receiving her award.
"This is the culmination of my years of hard work in establishing myself as a credible actress who engages with fans and also delivers quality work."
Anna added that she planned to star in more films to step out of her "television comfort zone".
"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," she said.
On top of the main award, Anna also took home the Hottest Feminine Celebrity title.
Another first-time winner was 20-year-old Zaki Yamani, son of legendary singer Datuk Jamal Abdillah.
Zaki, who hails from Teluk Intan, took home the Hottest Newcomer award.
"It's a proud moment for me, a night I'll cherish forever," he said, thanking his father for being his biggest fan. Zaki previously won Famili Duo Season 2 alongside his elder brother, Osama Yamani Abdillah.
Co-hosted by Kamal Adli and Ain Edruce, AMT 2026 carried the theme "Power", celebrating celebrities and works that stand out through their massive popularity.
The ceremony aired live on TV3 and Tonton, with 8TV joining as a media partner for the first time.
This year's edition featured 16 categories. New additions included Hottest Song, Hottest Drama, Hottest Director & Film, Hottest Celebrity Family, Hottest Fit Celebrity, Hottest Celebrity Chemistry, and Hottest Mandarin Celebrity.
Returning categories included Hottest Rising Star, Hottest Masculine Celebrity, Hottest Feminine Celebrity, Hottest Music Celebrity, Hottest Celebrity Couple, Hottest Inspirational Celebrity, Hottest Viral Celebrity, Hottest Stylish Celebrity, and Hottest Tonton Original.
Key winners of the night included Neraka Yang Terhijab (Hottest Tonton Original), Yes Captain Zul Aaryan (Hottest Drama), Meerqeen (Hottest Stylo Celebrity), Fattah Amin (Hottest Masculine Celebrity), Aishah Retno (Hottest Viral Celebrity), Khai Bahar (Hottest Music Celebrity), Nurcinta by Amir Masdi (Hottest Song), and Hael Husaini (Hottest Inspirational Celebrity).
Following the awards, TV3 and 8TV will broadcast the Cuckootopia - 12th Anniversary Concert, set to take place on Oct 24 at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.
Running from 6.30pm to midnight in celebration of Cuckoo's 12th anniversary, the concert will feature a mix of local and international stars.
South Korean star and Cuckoo Global Ambassador Lee Junho will headline the event, alongside Taiwanese singer Trevor Kuo.
They will be joined by a host of popular local artistes, including Phei Yong, Jaclyn Victor, Faizal Tahir, Ella, Mimifly, Alpha, 3P, Jeryl Lee, Umairah, Odda, Emily, Janice Yoong, and the 15 contestants from 8TV's reality show Youthopia.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd