History shifted one joyful, mournful, comical bit tonight at the 2020 Golden Globes, as Awkwafina became the first woman of Asian descent to win the award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical or Comedy Movie.
Looking like a glowy, sexy, Elizabethan mime, the 31-year-old accepted the award for her role in The Farewell, directed by Lulu Wang. The win marks multiple firsts—a history-making first for Asian representation at the Golden Globes, as well as Awkwafina’s first Golden Globe nomination, and first-ever dramatic role. She beat out a stacked category that included Cate Blanchett and Emma Thompson, who both have approximately the number of acting award statuettes as I have empty La Croix cans under my bed (countless.)
In her 70-second speech, the star demonstrated exactly why the award belongs to her, making us both laugh and cry almost in the same instant. “This is great,” she deadpanned, clutching the Globe statue. “If I fall upon hard times I could sell this, so that’s good.” Graciously thanking the team behind the movie, she went on to dedicate the award to her dad, saying, “I told you I’d get a job, dad.”
She also dedicated the award “To my grandma, my best friend, the woman who raised me. And to my mother Tia, who I always hope is watching from somewhere above, and I hope that she’s watching now.”
Playing the part of a young woman, Billie, whose love for family and independent streak keep her trapped between two cultures, was “the chance of a lifetime,” Awkwafina said. She’ll dive back into those themes—this time with more elicit drugs—on her upcoming Comedy Central show Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens on January 22.
We look forward to Awkwafina breaking more boundaries and reaping the benefits. And of course, to her winning plenty of awards to hawk for cash and fancy ruffs if she falls on hard times.
Jenny Singer is a staff writer for Glamour.
