Around 3,000 cheering fans waited to catch a glimpse of their favourite Cambodian stars walking down the red carpet last Thursday night at the Koh Pich Theatre, where 36 artists were honoured as the best in their field at this year’s Anachak Dara, or “Star Kingdom”, Awards.

The night marked the first  awards ceremony to celebrate the Kingdom’s burgeoning entertainment industry, with categories such as best TV presenter, actress, actor, singer and rap star, among others.

Thirty gongs in total were presented for the television, film and  movie industries, with another six “popularity awards”  for categories such as Best Dressed.

All the awards were decided by online voting and surveys conducted in the provinces.

The night’s main sponsor was entertainment website Sabay, while media partners included The Phnom Penh Post and Lady magazine.

In the evening, old and young celebrities from all fields of entertainment gathered for their chance to grab awards or cheer for their peers.

The ceremony was also attended by high-ranking  officials from the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Culture and members of the local business community.

The night’s big winners included Bayon TV’s Youth Music Concert for best TV program, and TV presenter Doung Zorida, founder of the Cambodia Super Model Agency, for the star with the best Khmer traditional dress.

Chhun Ching Kmean Sromol, or Scales of Justice, produced by the Cambodia Women’s Media Centre, took the trophy for best TV drama of the year, and Cambodian-American Pou Khleing was voted best rap star.