Wong Becomes First Asian Actress to Win Best Actress Limited Series
Comedian and actress Ali Wong made history last night as the first Asian actress to win Best Actress in a Limited Series at the Golden Globes for her role as Ashley Park in the hit Netflix drama “Beef”.
Wong portrayed the fierce Korean American heir to a meat empire who takes over the family business after her father’s sudden death. Her razor-sharp wit and dramatic chops brought the complex character to life and clearly resonated with audiences and critics alike.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Wong thanked her ex-husband Justin Hakuta for his support, then shocked the audience by passionately kissing her rumored boyfriend Bill Hader. The public display confirmed speculation that Wong and Hader are in fact dating.
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Limited Series | Beef |
| Best Actor in a Limited Series | Steven Yeun |
| Best Actress in a Limited Series | Ali Wong |
Yeun Also Scores Historic Win for “Beef”
Wong’s co-star Steven Yeun also made Golden Globes history as the first Asian actor to win Best Actor in a Limited Series.
Yeun played Wong’s on-screen brother Michael Park, the COO of the family’s empire. His nuanced performance depicted Michael’s struggle to balance his duty to his family’s company and his relationship with his sister Ashley as she takes over leadership.
“Beef” also took home the award for Best Limited Series. The show’s creator, Korean American screenwriter Angela Kang, thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press in her acceptance speech for recognizing Asian American stories. She also teased a potential second season, delighting fans eager for more of the juicy family drama.
First Awards for Both Wong and Yeun
The wins represent the first Golden Globes for both Wong and Yeun, capping a rapid rise to stardom bolstered by the critical acclaim for “Beef”.
Wong has pivoted successfully from stand-up comedy to acting in recent years. She stunned in her dramatic turn in 2019’s “Always Be My Maybe” and showed her range by starring in the 2022 animated fantasy film “Turning Red”.
But her funny yet powerful performance as the take-no-prisoners meat heiress Ashley Park represents her biggest role yet. She beat out tough competition from Hollywood veterans Jessica Chastain and Julia Roberts to claim the Golden Globe.
Yeun has quietly built an impressive resume since his breakout role on “The Walking Dead”. Standout parts in thought-provoking films like “Burning” and “Minari” demonstrated his versatility.
His casting as the conflicted Michael Park generated substantial buzz for “Beef”. And his nuanced portrayal of the character’s inner turmoil struck a chord with viewers and critics.
More Asian Firsts at 2024 Golden Globes
The historic wins for Wong and Yeun punctuated a night full of milestone victories for Asian performers at the 2024 Golden Globes.
Filipino American comedian Jo Koy earned rave reviews for his hosting duties, while Japanese actress Keiko Agena and Chinese actress Michelle Yeoh took home awards for their roles in the genre-bending sci-fi drama “Everything Everywhere All At Once”.
Lily Gladstone made history as the first Native American actress to win Best Supporting Actress for her heartwrenching turn in “Flight/Home”.
And K-pop sensation BTS lit up the stage with a dazzling performance of songs from their record-breaking album “Butter”.
The breakthrough night indicates growing recognition from Hollywood for standout acting and stories from Asian performers. And it builds anticipation for even more Asian talent taking center stage at future awards shows.
What’s Next for “Beef” and Its Stars?
The Golden Globe victories for “Beef” arrived shortly after Netflix renewed the hit limited series for a second season.
Details remain scarce, but creator Angela Kang promised more of the shocking family drama that made the first season such a phenomenon. Rumors swirl that additional episodes could land on Netflix as early as late 2024.
In the meantime, Wong and Yeun both have busy schedules ahead.
Wong will re-team with her “Always Be My Maybe” co-star Randall Park in the upcoming romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day”. She also landed a coveted hosting gig for the 2024 Oscars next month.
Yeun has wrapped filming as the co-lead in acclaimed director Bong Joon-Ho’s next feature “Mickey 17”. The sci-fi thriller hits theaters in November and Yeun’s name already circulates as a potential awards contender for his performance.
With the glowing reception for “Beef” and exciting new projects on the way, the futures look bright for Wong, Yeun, and the show’s creator Angela Kang. Last night’s historic Golden Globe victories serve as just the beginning of what promises to be a stellar year for Asian creatives making their mark on Hollywood.
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