Awkwafina

Awkwafina was born in Stony Brook, New York,Awkwafina in {{cite AV media|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/awards-chatter-podcast-awkwafina-farewell-1252390|date=November 10, 2019|host=Feinberg, Scott|title='Awards Chatter' Podcast — Awkwafina ('The Farewell')|access-date=January 6, 2019|time=02:13|quote=I was born in Stony Brook, Long Island. I was raised in Forest Hills, Queens. And my mom was, like, a painter and my dad was an IT guy.|archive-date=April 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407060932/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/awards-chatter-podcast-awkwafina-farewell-1252390|url-status=live}} the only child of Wally Lum, a Chinese American, and Tia Lum, a Korean American.{{Cite web |last=Fernandez |first=Alexia |date=2019-07-03 |title=Awkwafina Opens Up About How the Death of Her Mother at 4 Years Old Changed Her Life |url=https://people.com/movies/awkwafina-moms-death-changed-her-life/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Peoplemag |language=en |archive-date=February 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204180345/https://people.com/movies/awkwafina-moms-death-changed-her-life/ |url-status=live }} Her father worked in the information technology field, and comes from a family of restaurateurs—her great-grandfather immigrated to the United States in the 1940s, and opened the Cantonese restaurant Lum's in Flushing, Queens, one of the neighborhood's first Chinese restaurants. Her mother was a painter who emigrated with her family to the United States from South Korea in 1972.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/5-things-to-know-about-oceans-eight-star-awkwafina-w465908/|title=5 Things to Know About 'Ocean's Eight' Star Awkwafina|last=Chang|first=Rachel|date=February 25, 2017|magazine=Us Weekly|access-date=April 3, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141923/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/5-things-to-know-about-oceans-eight-star-awkwafina-w465908/|url-status=live}} She died from pulmonary hypertension in 1992 when Awkwafina was four, and Awkwafina was raised by her father and paternal grandparents. She became especially close to her grandmother, Powah Lum.{{cite magazine|url=http://kore.am/september-cover-story-awkwafina-establishing-her-presence/|title=September Cover Story: Awkwafina Establishing Her Presence|magazine=KoreAm Journal|access-date=May 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331071848/http://kore.am/september-cover-story-awkwafina-establishing-her-presence/|archive-date=March 31, 2019|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jun/17/awkwafina-oceans-8-youtube-crazy-funny-nora-lum|title=Awkwafina: 'I was always the crazy one, the funny one. I'd do anything for a laugh'|last=Bertodano|first=Helena de|date=June 17, 2018|work=The Guardian|location=UK|access-date=January 6, 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=December 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226143020/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jun/17/awkwafina-oceans-8-youtube-crazy-funny-nora-lum|url-status=live}}

Awkwafina grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, and attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, where she played the trumpet and was trained in classical music and jazz.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/03/14/meet-awkwafina-an-asian-female-rapper-on-vaginas-tackling-racism-more.html|title=Meet Awkwafina: an Asian Female Rapper on Vaginas, Tackling Racism & More|last=Trinh|first=Jean|date=March 14, 2013|magazine=The Daily Beast|publisher=Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC|access-date=April 24, 2013|archive-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920225443/http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/03/14/meet-awkwafina-an-asian-female-rapper-on-vaginas-tackling-racism-more.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/webpages4/archives/awkwafina17.html|title=Awkwafina|publisher=New York State Writers Institute, University of Albany, SUNY|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-date=January 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117193706/https://www.albany.edu/writers-inst/webpages4/archives/awkwafina17.html|url-status=live}} At age 15, she adopted the stage name Awkwafina, "definitely a person I repressed" and an alter ego to her "quiet and more passive" personality during her college years.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theringer.com/2017/5/23/16044386/awkwafina-interview-oceans-eight-crazy-rich-asians-fe3b3bbd360d|title=Awkwafina Won't Let You Forget Her Name|work=The Ringer|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=April 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404073105/https://www.theringer.com/2017/5/23/16044386/awkwafina-interview-oceans-eight-crazy-rich-asians-fe3b3bbd360d|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://intothegloss.com/2017/04/awkwafina-beauty/|title=Oceans Eight Star Awkwafina On Her Makeup Essentials|date=April 11, 2017|publisher=IntoTheGloss.com|language=en-US|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=August 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826121428/https://intothegloss.com/2017/04/awkwafina-beauty/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://galoremag.com/awkwafina-got-fired-from-her-office-job-after-writing-a-song-called-my-vag/|title=Awkwafina Got Fired From Her Office Job After Writing a Song Called "My Vag"|date=March 29, 2017|work=Galore|access-date=April 3, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403234703/https://galoremag.com/awkwafina-got-fired-from-her-office-job-after-writing-a-song-called-my-vag/|url-status=live}} Her stage name referenced the way that brands such as Neutrogena feminize themselves, and her self-perception as "awkwardly fine".{{cite news |last1=Garcia Lawler |first1=Opheli |title=Awkwafina talks living in China and New York and meeting the rest of Ocean's 8 |url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/04/24/awkwafina-q-a |access-date=19 August 2024 |publisher=Fader |date=April 24, 2018}} She cited Charles Bukowski, Anaïs Nin, Joan Didion, Tom Waits, and Chet Baker as early influences.{{cite magazine|date=December 24, 2014|title=13 Awkward Questions With Rapper Awkwafina|url=http://www.mochimag.com/article/rapper-awkwafina-yellow-ranger-girl-code-tawk-interview-music-viral/|magazine=Mochi|language=en|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=July 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712052358/https://www.mochimag.com/article/rapper-awkwafina-yellow-ranger-girl-code-tawk-interview-music-viral/|url-status=live}} From 2006 to 2008, she learned Mandarin at Beijing Language and Culture University to communicate with her paternal grandmother.{{cite web |last=周小琪 |title=搏斗"刻板印象"的亚裔影后奥卡菲娜 |url=https://www.bjnews.com.cn/inside/2020/01/09/671986.html |accessdate=2021-05-25 |website=新京报 |language=zh |archive-date=May 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525085257/https://www.bjnews.com.cn/inside/2020/01/09/671986.html |url-status=live }} She majored in journalism and women's studies at the University at Albany, State University of New York and graduated in 2011.

Awkwafina began rapping at 13. She got her start producing music with GarageBand but eventually learned Logic Pro and Ableton.{{Citation|title=Awkwafina & The Race of Lyfe {{!}} TigerBelly 103| date=August 10, 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doUfEWFiFa4|language=en|access-date=January 9, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404205509/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doUfEWFiFa4&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} In 2012, her song "My Vag" became popular on YouTube. She wrote the song in college as a response to Mickey Avalon's "My Dick (Tribute to Nate)".{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/28/nora-lum-awkwafina-genitalia-feminist-message|title=Awkwafina: 'I was just rapping about my genitalia – not making a feminist message'|last=Sawa|first=Dale Berning|date=December 28, 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 10, 2019|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=December 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210045150/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/28/nora-lum-awkwafina-genitalia-feminist-message|url-status=live}} She was fired from her job at a publishing house when her employer recognized her in the video. Her solo hip-hop album Yellow Ranger was released on February 11, 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/5535610-Awkwafina|title=Awkwafina|publisher=Discogs|language=en|access-date=August 18, 2018|archive-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818083951/https://www.discogs.com/artist/5535610-Awkwafina|url-status=live}} Its 11 tracks include a number of her previous singles released on YouTube, including the title track "Yellow Ranger", "Queef" and "NYC Bitche$". In 2014, Awkwafina appeared in six episodes of the third and fourth seasons of Girl Code.{{cite magazine|last=Stedman|first=Alex|date=October 1, 2014|title=Q&A: Girl Code Creator Ryan Ling on Season 3, Social Media and New Comedians|url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/ryan-ling-girl-code-season-3-guy-code-1201316847/|magazine=Variety|access-date=December 9, 2017|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403234602/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/ryan-ling-girl-code-season-3-guy-code-1201316847/|url-status=live}} In 2015 she co-hosted its spin-off, Girl Code Live, on MTV.{{Cite magazine|title=5 Things You Should Know About 'Ocean's 8' Star Awkwafina|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8071101/awkwafina-oceans-8-things-you-should-know|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=May 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517052535/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8071101/awkwafina-oceans-8-things-you-should-know|url-status=live}}

In 2016, she collaborated with comedian Margaret Cho on "Green Tea", a song that pokes fun at Asian stereotypes.{{cite web |title=Awkwafina x Margaret Cho - GREEN TEA | date=May 31, 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o23w8i0H-w |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630040347/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o23w8i0H-w |archive-date=June 30, 2018 |access-date=April 3, 2018 |via=youtube.com}} She was part of the lineup at Tenacious D's Festival Supreme on October 25, 2014.{{cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|title=Tenacious D Combine Jokes and Jams for 2014 Festival Supreme Lineup|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tenacious-d-combine-jokes-and-jams-for-2014-festival-supreme-lineup-20140527|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=May 30, 2014|date=May 27, 2014|archive-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531045451/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/tenacious-d-combine-jokes-and-jams-for-2014-festival-supreme-lineup-20140527|url-status=dead}} She was also a disc jockey (DJ) at bars in New York.{{cite web|url=https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2014/11/meet-eatgoodnyc-the-cupcake-hustlers-at-the-intersection-of-pastry-hip-hop-and-streetwear|title=Meet EatGoodNYC, the Cupcake Hustlers at the Intersection of Pastry, Hip-Hop, and Streetwear|website=First We Feast|date=October 21, 2014|language=en|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113225540/https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2014/11/meet-eatgoodnyc-the-cupcake-hustlers-at-the-intersection-of-pastry-hip-hop-and-streetwear|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/awkwafina/photos/a.513383975403084/671714236236723/?type=3|title=Awkwafina|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428033014/https://www.facebook.com/awkwafina/photos/a.513383975403084/671714236236723/?type=3|url-status=live}}{{Citation|title=ASIANS IN NYC ft. Awkwafina {{!}} Fung Bros| date=September 10, 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXOtCiNAJpM|language=en|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=January 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119072914/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXOtCiNAJpM|url-status=live}} She is profiled in the 2016 documentary Bad Rap, an official selection at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. It puts the spotlight on her and Asian-American rappers such as Dumbfoundead, Rekstizzy and Lyricks.{{cite magazine|last=Frydenlund|first=Zach|date=May 24, 2014|title=Premiere: Watch a Sneak Peek of the "Bad Rap" Documentary|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/watch-a-sneak-peek-of-the-bad-rap-documentary|access-date=May 30, 2014|magazine=Complex|archive-date=June 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617143052/http://www.complex.com/music/2014/05/watch-a-sneak-peek-of-the-bad-rap-documentary|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?page=1&branch=NEWS&source=&category=world&art_id=2552822|trans-title=Jackie Joe movie 'Bad Rap' ... Life of Korean hip-hop musicians in documentary|title=재키 조 제작 영화 '배드 랩'…다큐로 보는 한인 힙합 뮤지션들의 삶|date=May 23, 2014|work=Korea Daily|access-date=May 30, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531124429/http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?page=1&branch=NEWS&source=&category=world&art_id=2552822|archive-date=May 31, 2014|publisher=LA Joongang Daily|language=ko}} She released a 7-track EP, In Fina We Trust, on June 8, 2018;{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.papermag.com/awkwafina-new-ep-2574583420.html|title=Awkwafina Announces New EP, 'In Fina We Trust'|last=Ting|first=Jasmine|magazine=Paper|access-date=June 2, 2018|language=en|archive-date=June 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604223605/http://www.papermag.com/awkwafina-new-ep-2574583420.html|url-status=live}} it won the 2019 A2IM Libera Award for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Album.{{cite web |url=https://liberaawards.com/2019-winners/ |title=2019 Winners |website=Libera Awards |access-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808064957/https://liberaawards.com/2019-winners/ |url-status=dead }} File:Ken Jeong & Awkwafina.png in 2018]]

Awkwafina hosted the short-form talk show web series Tawk for the digital production company Astronauts Wanted from 2015 to 2017. The first season premiered on YouTube and was picked up for exclusive streaming on Verizon's Go90 platform.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/judy-mcgraths-astronauts-wanted-strikes-839284|title=Judy McGrath's Astronauts Wanted Strikes Exclusive Content Deal With Go90 (Exclusive)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 11, 2015|language=en|access-date=January 13, 2020|archive-date=January 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113225538/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/judy-mcgraths-astronauts-wanted-strikes-839284|url-status=live}} It was an Official Honoree at the 2016 Webby Awards and was nominated for a 2016 Streamy Award in the News and Culture category.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/go90-awkwafina-tawk-season-4-5-verizon-1201876213/|title=Go90 Reups Awkwafina's 'Tawk' for Seasons 4 and 5, But Is Verizon's Service Struggling to Win Fans?|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=October 3, 2016|work=Variety|access-date=August 18, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=March 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303160132/https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/go90-awkwafina-tawk-season-4-5-verizon-1201876213/|url-status=live}} In 2016 she played a supporting role as Christine, a member of Kappa Nu in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising,{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/rapper-awkwafina-joins-neighbors-2-film-n428266|title=Rapper Awkwafina Joins 'Neighbors' Sequel|last=Lee|first=Traci G.|work=NBC News|access-date=March 14, 2016|date=September 16, 2015|archive-date=March 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315010328/http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/rapper-awkwafina-joins-neighbors-2-film-n428266|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/dude-adds-katharyn-prescott-alexandra-shipp-nora-lum-1201630631/|title=Indie Comedy 'Dude' Rounds Out Lead Cast With Trio Of Actresses|last=Lincoln|first=Ross A.|magazine=Deadline Hollywood|language=en-US|access-date=March 14, 2016|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726121530/https://deadline.com/2015/11/dude-adds-katharyn-prescott-alexandra-shipp-nora-lum-1201630631/|url-status=live}} and voiced Quail in the animated comedy film Storks. In 2018 she starred in the indie comedy Dude, playing Rebecca, one of four best friends. She was among the principal cast in Ocean's 8, the all-female spinoff to the Ocean's Trilogy. She then co-starred in the film Crazy Rich Asians, directed by Jon M. Chu, playing Goh Peik Lin, a Singaporean college friend of lead character Rachel Chu (Constance Wu).{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/crazy-rich-asians-adds-awkwafina-996699|title='Crazy Rich Asians' Adds Awkwafina|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=April 24, 2017|language=en|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425085544/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/crazy-rich-asians-adds-awkwafina-996699|url-status=live}} She had a recurring role in the Hulu original series Future Man in 2017.{{cite magazine|title=Hulu's Future Man is fun but doesn't level up: EW review|url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/11/08/future-man-ew-review/|access-date=November 20, 2017|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=October 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002132126/https://ew.com/tv/2017/11/08/future-man-ew-review/|url-status=live}} She hosted the 2018 iHeartRadio MMVAs.{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-awkwafina-on-why-crazy-rich-asians-is-so-emotional-hosting-the-mmvas/|title='The summer of Awkwafina': The Crazy Rich Asians star on hosting the MMVAs|last=Lee|first=Cliff|date=August 22, 2018|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=August 24, 2018|archive-date=August 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824025053/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-awkwafina-on-why-crazy-rich-asians-is-so-emotional-hosting-the-mmvas/|url-status=live}}

Awkwafina hosted the October 6, 2018, episode of Saturday Night Live, becoming the second East Asian-American woman to host the show (after Lucy Liu, whose episode Awkwafina cites as her inspiration to one day be famous enough to host SNL). She did an impression of Sandra Oh, who later in the season became the first East Asian-Canadian woman to host an SNL episode and the third East Asian woman to host overall.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/season-44/episode/2-awkwafina-with-travis-scott-296765|title=SNL Season 44 Episode 02 - Awkwafina|publisher=NBC|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008022714/http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/season-44/episode/2-awkwafina-with-travis-scott-296765|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Awkwafina starred in the film The Farewell, directed by Lulu Wang. She played Billi, a writer who visits her ill grandmother in China.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/02/a24-the-farewell-last-black-man-in-san-francisco-release-dates-1202045798/|title=A24 Seeks Summer Box Office with Release Dates for 'The Farewell' and 'Last Black Man'|last=Erbland|first=Kate|date=February 21, 2019|magazine=IndieWire|access-date=February 21, 2019|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907222129/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/02/a24-the-farewell-last-black-man-in-san-francisco-release-dates-1202045798/|url-status=live}} The film received critical acclaim. Awkwafina received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical,{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/2020-golden-globes-nominations-list-nominees-1203426905/|title=Golden Globes 2020: The Complete Nominations List|work=Variety|date=December 9, 2019|access-date=December 9, 2019|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209155146/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/2020-golden-globes-nominations-list-nominees-1203426905/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/05/movies/golden-globes-winners-list.html|title=Golden Globe Winners 2020: The Complete List|last=Aridi|first=Sara|date=January 5, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 7, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310001119/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/05/movies/golden-globes-winners-list.html|url-status=live}} becoming the first person of Asian descent to win a Golden Globe Award in any lead actress film category, after being only the sixth woman of Asian descent to be nominated in the lead actress in a musical or comedy category.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/05/entertainment/awkwafina-golden-globes/index.html|title=Awkwafina makes Golden Globes history|publisher=CNN|language=en|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=January 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106091428/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/05/entertainment/awkwafina-golden-globes/index.html|url-status=live}} In the same year, she starred as avatar Ming Fleetfoot in the film Jumanji: The Next Level,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/awkwafina-jumanji-sequel-1203098802/|title=Awkwafina Joins Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart in 'Jumanji' Sequel|last=Kroll|first=Justin|date=January 3, 2019|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121121831/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/awkwafina-jumanji-sequel-1203098802/|url-status=live}} which was a commercial success.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl755467777/|title=Jumanji: The Next Level|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-date=March 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314175957/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl755467777/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Jumanji-The-Next-Level|title=Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) - Financial Information|website=The Numbers|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508021121/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Jumanji-The-Next-Level|url-status=live}} In July 2019, Awkwafina was cast as Katy in Marvel Studios' Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings alongside actors Simu Liu and Tony Leung Chiu-wai. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film was released in theaters on September 3, 2021, earning critical praise and grossing $430.5 million.{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/comic-con/2019/07/20/shang-chi-movie-marvel-comic-con/|title=Marvel reveals new details about {{'}}Shang-Chi{{'}} movie|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|language=en|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=October 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002143434/https://ew.com/comic-con/2019/07/20/shang-chi-movie-marvel-comic-con/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=August 31, 2021|title={{'}}Shang-Chi{{'}} star Awkwafina talks about inclusivity in Hollywood and acting in Hindi films (IANS Interview)|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/shang-chi-star-awkwafina-talks-about-inclusivity-in-hollywood-and-acting-in-hindi-films-ians-interview-news-bollywood-vi5kltfghijab.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831191424/https://www.sify.com/movies/shang-chi-star-awkwafina-talks-about-inclusivity-in-hollywood-and-acting-in-hindi-films-ians-interview-news-bollywood-vi5kltfghijab.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 31, 2021|access-date=August 31, 2021|last=Chakravarty|first=Durga|website=Sify|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://heroichollywood.com/tony-leung-shang-chi-mandarin-first-look/|title=Is This Our First Look At Tony Leung's Mandarin In {{'}}Shang-Chi{{'}}?|date=April 2, 2021|access-date=April 11, 2021|archive-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150156/https://heroichollywood.com/tony-leung-shang-chi-mandarin-first-look/|url-status=live}} Heroic Hollywood. 2021-04-02 She won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Shang-Chi. In August 2019, Disney announced that Awkwafina would voice Sisu the dragon in the animated film Raya and the Last Dragon, which was released on March 5, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/movies/2019/08/24/raya-last-dragon-awkwafina-disney/|title=Disney reveals new animated film Raya and the Last Dragon starring Awkwafina|first=Marc|last=Snetiker|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=August 24, 2019|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101043519/https://ew.com/movies/2019/08/24/raya-last-dragon-awkwafina-disney/|url-status=live}} Awkwafina improvised much of her dialogue for the film, drawing comparisons to Robin Williams' performance as the Genie in Aladdin.{{cite web|url=https://heroichollywood.com/raya-and-the-last-dragon-directors-compare-awkwafina-to-robin-williams/|title='Raya and the Last Dragon' Directors Compare Awkwafina To Robin Williams|first=Eammon|last=Jacobs|work=Heroic Hollywood|date=January 26, 2021|accessdate=August 10, 2021|archive-date=August 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810004759/https://heroichollywood.com/raya-and-the-last-dragon-directors-compare-awkwafina-to-robin-williams/|url-status=live}}

As of 2020, Awkwafina stars in the comedy series Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens; she is also a writer and executive producer of that show. As part of the promotional campaign, she recorded new announcements for the 7 train of the New York City Subway,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/16/nyregion/awkafina-subway-mta.html|title=Awkwafina's Latest Role: Subway Announcer. New Yorkers Have Thoughts.|last=Goldbaum|first=Christina|date=January 16, 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 17, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117015632/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/16/nyregion/awkafina-subway-mta.html|url-status=live}} making jokes, such as "This is Hunters Point Avenue, a friendly reminder that seats are for people, not your bag" and "This is 46th Street, which is a lucky number, I just learned that on the internet. Also learned that pigeons and doves are the same things, WHAT?!", at every stop. These recordings were used until the series premiered on January 22. In a season one episode, Simu Liu made a guest appearance before the release of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In October 2023, National Geographic announced that Awkwafina narrated the documentary series A Real Bug's Life.{{cite web |last1=Wu |first1=Valerie |title=National Geographic Trailers, Premiere Dates Include New Jeremy Renner, Awkwafina Series (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/national-geographic-fall-winter-slate-jeremy-renner-awkwafina-1235743521/ |website=Variety |access-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122212309/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/national-geographic-fall-winter-slate-jeremy-renner-awkwafina-1235743521/ |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |date=October 18, 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Mishra |first1=Shrishty |title=Awkwafina Narrates the Lives of Earth's Tiniest Heroes in First 'A Real Bug's Life' Trailer |url=https://collider.com/a-real-bugs-life-trailer-release-date/ |website=Collider |access-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302012921/https://collider.com/a-real-bugs-life-trailer-release-date/ |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |date=October 21, 2023 |url-status=live}}

File:Awkwafina - Golden Globes 2020 - 01.png in 2020]]

Awkwafina has developed a profile as a fashion model, appearing regularly on magazine covers including Vogue, Allure, Harpers Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and feminist magazine Bust.{{Cite book |last=Symons |first=Alex |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1349461077 |title=Women Comedians in the Digital Age |publisher=Routledge |year=2023 |isbn=978-1-003-26868-0 |edition=1st |location=Abingdon, Oxon |pages=97 |oclc=1349461077}} In 2018, she was featured in Gap's "Logo Remix" campaign, which featured up-and-coming artists who "are remixing creative culture on their own terms" alongside SZA, Sabrina Claudio and Naomi Watanabe.{{cite magazine|url=https://vmagazine.com/article/awkwafina-joins-now-generation-gap-logo-remix-campaign/|title=Awkwafina Joins the "Now Generation" for Gap Logo Remix Campaign|magazine=V Magazine.com|access-date=April 3, 2018|archive-date=April 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403234622/https://vmagazine.com/article/awkwafina-joins-now-generation-gap-logo-remix-campaign/|url-status=dead}} Awkwafina was honored as Kore Asian Media's Female Breakout of the Year in 2017.

Awkwafina has expressed support for Time's Up, a movement started by Hollywood celebrities against sexual harassment.{{cite web|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/awkwafina-young-hollywood-2018|title=Awkwafina Isn't Here for Hollywood's Tired Excuses|last=Bergado|first=Gabe|website=Teen Vogue|date=March 2018|language=en|access-date=January 27, 2020|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726122707/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/awkwafina-young-hollywood-2018|url-status=live}} She has also advocated for more female directors and against the stereotyping of Asians in media.

Awkwafina has faced criticism for cultural appropriation of African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and mannerisms stereotypic of the African-American community.{{cite web |last=Zhang |first=Muqing M. |title=Performing Blackness Won't Fill Our Asian-American Culture Deficit |url=https://www.colorlines.com/articles/performing-blackness-wont-fill-our-asian-american-culture-deficit-op-ed |website=Colorlines |date=August 22, 2018 |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=January 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111055121/https://www.colorlines.com/articles/performing-blackness-wont-fill-our-asian-american-culture-deficit-op-ed |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Lauren Michele |title=Who Really Owns the 'Blaccent'? |url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/08/awkwafina-blaccent-cultural-appropriation.html |website=Vulture |date=August 24, 2018 |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213163350/https://www.vulture.com/2018/08/awkwafina-blaccent-cultural-appropriation.html |url-status=live }} In 2018, she said, "I welcome that conversation because as an Asian-American identity, we're still trying to figure out what that is."{{cite web |last=Flint |first=Hanna |title='Crazy Rich Asians' star Ken Jeong defends 'Hangover' stereotype |url=https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/awkwafina-addresses-black-cultural-appropriation-criticism-crazy-rich-asians-role-exclusive-104603805.html?guccounter=1 |website=Yahoo Movies UK |date=September 12, 2018 |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=February 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207030000/https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/awkwafina-addresses-black-cultural-appropriation-criticism-crazy-rich-asians-role-exclusive-104603805.html?guccounter=1 |url-status=live }} On February 5, 2022, Awkwafina tweeted, "My immigrant background allowed me to carve an American identity [...] as a non-black POC, I stand by the fact that I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history and context of AAVE".{{cite news |last=Levenson |first=Eric |title=Awkwafina issues statement addressing accusations that she has used a 'blaccent' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/06/entertainment/awkwafina-blaccent/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209020715/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/06/entertainment/awkwafina-blaccent/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Carras |first=Christi |title=Awkwafina vows to 'always listen,' then quits Twitter after 'blaccent' criticism |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-02-06/awkwafina-blaccent-criticism-statement-twitter |newspaper=LA Times |date=February 6, 2022 |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213092406/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-02-06/awkwafina-blaccent-criticism-statement-twitter |url-status=live }} Certain activists criticized this response as being several years late and unapologetic.{{cite web |last=Cao |first=Steffi |title=Activists Feel That Awkwafina's Statement Finally Addressing Her "Blaccent" Controversy Is Too Little, Too Late |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stefficao/awkwafina-blaccent-appropriation-backlash |website=Buzzfeed News |date=February 6, 2022 |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=February 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212181721/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stefficao/awkwafina-blaccent-appropriation-backlash |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Baysinger |first=Tim |title=Awkwafina's 'Blaccent' Apology Draws Wince From MSNBC's Tiffany Cross and Guests |url=https://www.thewrap.com/awkwafinas-blaccent-apology-draws-wince-from-msnbcs-tiffany-cross-and-guests/ |website=The Wrap |date=February 12, 2022 |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213023830/https://www.thewrap.com/awkwafinas-blaccent-apology-draws-wince-from-msnbcs-tiffany-cross-and-guests/ |url-status=live }} Conversely, Vulture writer Lauren Michele Jackson wrote that Awkwafina does not "conjure blackness any more than Ed Sheeran's bars", adding that, "In conversations around Awkwafina's blaccent, the actress's regional and musical background has been used to both defend and attack her".

Before launching her entertainment career, she worked as an intern at the Gotham Gazette in New York City; as an intern at the Times Union newspaper in Albany, New York; and as a publicity assistant for publishing house Rodale Books, which fired her after they discovered her music videos. She later worked at a vegan bodega. In 2015, she released a New York City guidebook, Awkwafina's NYC.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/awkwafinas-guide-book-shows-new-york-city-youve-never-seen-n342706|title=Awkwafina's Guide Book Shows the New York City You've Never Seen|access-date=October 25, 2017|publisher=NBC|archive-date=October 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026053638/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/awkwafinas-guide-book-shows-new-york-city-youve-never-seen-n342706|url-status=live}} On May 16, 2019, she headlined The Infatuation's annual food festival, EEEEEATSCON where she spoke about her upbringing in Queens, and her family's Cantonese restaurant.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/awkwafina-dan-levy-keynote-santa-monica-food-music-tech-fest-1191452|title=Awkwafina, Dan Levy to Keynote Santa Monica Food, Music and Tech Fest|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 28, 2019|language=en|access-date=February 11, 2020|archive-date=March 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321033829/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/awkwafina-dan-levy-keynote-santa-monica-food-music-tech-fest-1191452|url-status=live}}

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{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Awkwafina}}

Awkwafina was honored as Kore Asian Media's Female Breakout of the Year in 2017.{{Cite news|url=http://kore.am/unforgettable-female-breakout-of-the-year-awkwafina/|title=Unforgettable Female Breakout of the Year: Awkwafina|date=November 16, 2017|work=Kore.am|access-date=April 3, 2018|publisher=Kore Asian Media|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403234913/http://kore.am/unforgettable-female-breakout-of-the-year-awkwafina/|archive-date=April 3, 2018|url-status=dead}} For her performance in the comedy-drama film The Farewell, she received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, the Satellite Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuoso Award, among numerous other nominations. Alongside the film's ensemble, she was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Awkwafina also received a nomination for the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

For starring and producing in the 2023 TV Movie Quiz Lady she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie.

• Asian Americans in arts and entertainment
• Chinese people in New York City
• Koreans in New York City

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• {{Instagram|awkwafina}}
• {{Discogs artist}}
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{{Golden Globe Award Best Actress Motion Picture Musical or Comedy}}

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