Asian Actress Awkwafina Makes Golden Globe History

Awkwafina, “The Farewell” star, made history at this weekend’s Golden Globes as the became the first performer of Asian descent to win a Golden Globe Award in a lead actress film category.

“I actually just heard that fact, and it was pretty mind-blowing,” Awkwafina said backstage. “It feels incredible, but I think there’s also this other feeling that you want there to be more. I hope this is just the beginning.”

Only six women of Asian descent have ever been nominated in the lead actress in a musical or comedy category.

The others were Machiko Kyo (1956’s “The Teahouse of the August Moon”), Miyoshi Umeki (1961’s “Flower Drum Song”), Yvonne Elliman (1973’s “Jesus Christ Superstar”), and Constance Wu (2018). Hailee Steinfeld was also nominated for her work in “Edge of Seventeen.”

While accepting her award on stage, she joked, “if I fall upon hard times, we can sell this, so that’s good.” She then went on to thank her castmates, father, grandma, and late mother.