Awkwafina is the first Asian woman to win Golden Globes Best Actress
Awkwafina makes history in Golden Globes 2020 as the first ever Asian woman to win the lead actress category.
“The Farewell” star is the sixth woman from Asia to be nominated in the said category for a musical or comedy genre.
The others were Machiko Kyo of 1965’s The Teahouse of the August Moo; Miyoshi Umeki of 1961’s Flower Drum Song; Yvonne Elliman of 1973’s Jesus Christ Superstar; and Constance Wu in 2018. And also Hailee Steinfeld, whose mother is of Filipino descent, was also nominated for her work in Edge of Seventeen.
Awkwafina portrayed Billi Wang in the film which feature a predominantly Asian cast. It is a story of a family who learned about their grandmother having a short-span to live. They decided not to tell her but instead schedule a family gathering before she dies.
In her acceptance speech expressed her gratitude to the director and writer of the film Lulu Wang. “You gave me this chance, the chance of a lifetime. Just filming this story, being with you, is incredible.”
Nora Lum, named by birth, was born in New York City to a Chinese-American father and South Korean immigrant mother. The actress dedicated the award to her father, grandmother and late mother.
“I’d like to dedicate this award to my dad, Wally. I told you I’d get the job,” she said.
The actress rose to fame after starring in the 2018 blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians.
