Richie Koh’s Drag Queen Role Could Change the Game at the Golden Horse Awards!
When you think of Singapore’s most unexpected cinematic breakthroughs, Richie Koh’s nomination for Best Leading Actor at the Golden Horse Awards might just be the biggest surprise of the year. The 32-year-old Mediacorp actor has been recognized for his portrayal of a drag queen in A Good Child, a poignant film that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. This makes him the second Singaporean performer to earn a nod in this category—a milestone that’s sparking conversations about representation, artistry, and the evolving landscape of Asian cinema.
In A Good Child, Koh plays a man who tries to help his dementia-stricken mother remember her past by convincing her he’s her daughter. The role demands a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, and it’s clear that Koh’s performance has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: Will this nomination be seen as a celebration of drag artistry or a necessary compromise for visibility?
The competition is fierce. Koh will face off against Hong Kong’s Will Or (A Foggy Tale), Taiwan’s Joseph Chang (Deep Quiet Room), Chang Chen (Lucky Lu), and Lan Weihua (Family Matters). Meanwhile, the film’s make-up artist Dollei Seah and costume designer Shahreens are also vying for Best Makeup and Costume Design. The winners will be announced on November 22 in Taipei—though for now, the spotlight is firmly on Koh.
This isn’t the first time a Singaporean actor has made waves at the Golden Horse Awards. Gurmit Singh won in 2007 for Just Follow Law, Mark Lee in 2020 for his drag queen role in Number 1, and Hong Huifang in 2022 for Ajoomma. Now, Koh joins their legacy, proving that Singapore’s creative talent can shine on the global stage.
But wait—what does this mean for the future of drag roles in film? When 8days.sg reached out, Koh declined to comment on his chances, saying he’s ‘very happy’ with the nomination but doesn’t expect the film to gain international attention. His manager hinted he’d attend the ceremony if possible, but he refused to discuss personal details like whether he’ll bring his partner Hayley Woo or if he got tips from Hong Huifang. It’s a curious silence, especially when you consider how many Singaporean actors have been accompanied by their spouses at past ceremonies.
You might be wondering: Is it a coincidence that three Singaporean actors have been nominated for drag roles? Or is this a sign of a growing trend? The answer could be in the next few weeks. For now, watch A Good Child in cinemas on October 9 to see Koh in full drag glory. And if you’re curious about the red carpet—nope, he won’t be walking it in drag. But that’s exactly why you should catch him in the film. After all, sometimes the best stories are the ones that defy expectations.
