Awkwafina Becomes First Woman Of Asian Descent To Make Golden Globes History

(Photo Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBC)

She is certainly making hometown of Queens proud!

New York comedian Awkwafina, born Nora Lum to a Chinese-American father and a South Korean mother, made history Sunday night when she became the first woman of Asian descent to win a Golden Globe for lead actress in a movie comedy or musical. She took home the award for her work in “The Farewell.” She is the first woman of color to win since Angela Bassett’s win in 1993.

Awkwafina beat out the likes of Beanie Feldstein, Cate Blanchett, Ana de Armas, and Emma Thompson.

In the indie family drama, Awkwafina plays an American woman, Billi, whose family hides her grandmother’s terminal illness. After learning about the illness, Billi is determined to organize a family gathering for her grandmother in China.

The actress thanked her parents and grandmother, who raised her, and joked on stage saying, “I told you I’d get a job, Dad.” She also dedicated her award to her mother, grandmother and late mother.

The rapper and actress went on to thank Lulu Wang, who wrote and directed the movie. The film itself was based on Wang’s personal experience.

The film was nominated for the best foreign film Golden Globe and received numerous awards and critical acclaim.

By: Maytinee Kramer