Wong Becomes First Asian Woman to Win Lead Actress Emmy
Comedian and actress Ali Wong made history at the 75th Emmy Awards on Sunday night, becoming the first Asian woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series for her performance in the Netflix drama Beef.
Wong was recognized for her critically acclaimed performance as immigrant entrepreneur Ruth Lee in Beef, which follows a Korean immigrant family running a small beef shop in Los Angeles over several decades. Wong led the limited series cast alongside Steven Yeun, who plays her husband in the show.
Beef also took home Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series (Steven Yeun), Outstanding Directing, and Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
Wong’s Historic Win Celebrated
Wong’s lead actress victory was a landmark moment for Asian representation at the Emmys. In her acceptance speech, Wong said:
“This has been such an incredible journey…It is such an honor to even be nominated alongside such incredible women, who I have admired for so long…I can’t believe I am the first Asian woman nominated, let alone winning this award.”
Many were celebrating Wong’s Emmy win on social media as an important milestone. Daniel Dae Kim tweeted:
“When @aliwong makes history by becoming the 1st Asian woman to win the Emmy for Best Actress in a limited series, we ALL win. Congrats, Ali!! #Emmys”
Others like Padma Lakshmi and Mindy Kaling also congratulated Wong for breaking new ground for Asian women in Hollywood.
Critical Acclaim for Her Performance
Wong has earned widespread praise from critics for her nuanced and emotional performance in Beef. Many saw the series and especially Wong’s acting in it as a career-high.
The Los Angeles Times raved that Wong’s “understated yet powerful performance is a testament to her dramatic skills.” While Vulture said “Wong brings a quiet intensity to Ruth as the show’s anchor.”
Her nominations and win capped an impressive award season run for Wong that also included SAG, Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations for Beef.
Beef a Hit With 5 Emmy Wins
Ali Wong’s history Emmy win was part of a big night overall for the Netflix limited series Beef. The show took home five Emmy Awards, the most of any limited series this year.
Along with Wong’s lead actress victory, Beef also won:
- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series – Steven Yeun
- Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series – Lee Sung-jin
- Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series
The critical and popular hit series follows two Korean immigrants who open a small beef shop and shows their struggles and family bonds across four decades.
Creator and Stars Celebrate
Beef creator Lee Sung-jin was effusive in his praise for the cast and crew on a big night:
“I am eternally grateful to the amazing cast and crew who made this amazing journey possible. And most of all to the Korean and Asian immigrant families who the show depicts – this is for them.”
Stars Yeun and Wong also made sure to celebrate with Lee and the rest of their team throughout the evening. The trio were all smiles as they scooped trophies and enjoyed the victory lap together.
Based on the success and popularity of the first season, Netflix had already greenlit a second season before the Emmy wins. So there will be more Beef – and likely awards attention – to come.
What’s Next for Ali Wong?
Fresh off her Emmy win, Wong already has a number of major projects in the works to add to her blossoming filmography.
Most notably, she is set to star in and co-write Island Queen – a new autobiographical comedy series for Netflix. The show has Wong starring as a fictionalized version of herself and is inspired by her own upbringing.
Wong is also coming off recent roles in films like Birds of Paradise, Easter Sunday, and will voice act in next year’s animated movie Wish.
At only 40 years old, Wong still has decades ahead to create memorable roles and push more boundaries on screen. And her Emmy win will open even more doors for the multi-talented performer.
Could More Awards Glory Await?
Ali Wong’s compelling performance in Beef marked her as a prestige player this past awards season. Now with an Emmy under her belt in a landmark win for Asian women – could more awards soon follow?
Island Queen will pair her again with key Beef collaborators and with her elevated profile, all eyes will be on what’s next for the talented Wong.
Don’t be surprised to hear Ali Wong’s name called out even more during awards season going forward. And with visions for Asian stories and creators expanding, this historic Emmy could just be the beginning of a bright future on screen for Wong and others.
By the Numbers: Key Facts on Ali Wong’s Emmy Win
| Description | Detail |
|---|---|
| First | Asian woman to win Emmy for Lead Actress in Limited Series |
| Age | 40 years old |
| Emmy Nominations | 1 (this year) |
| Other Awards | Nominated for SAG, Golden Globe, Critics Choice awards this year for Beef |
| Upcoming Projects | Island Queen series for Netflix, Wish animated movie |
| Social Media Following | 1.7 million Instagram followers |
So in her first ever Emmy nomination, Wong made history with the victory. Now with a leading role written specifically for her in Island Queen coming up, there will be plenty of opportunities ahead for Wong to continue breaking barriers for Asian women in Hollywood.
Key Quotes:
“I am so moved right now I can’t really believe it.” – Ali Wong, during her Emmys acceptance speech
“When @aliwong makes history… we ALL win” – Daniel Dae Kim tweet in response to Wong’s Emmy win
That sums up the feel-good vibes around Ali Wong making history at this year’s Emmys. Both a major personal accomplishment for her as the first Asian lead actress winner, but also an inspiring achievement for greater representation in the industry overall.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
