Awkwafina has become one of the world’s favourite comedians since her recent roles in blockbuster hits Ocean’s 8 and Crazy Rich Asians, so when she hosted Saturday Night Live over the weekend, you best believe it was straight fire.
But what’s really captured people’s attention is her opening monologue, when Awkwafina gave a heartfelt thanks to her idol and fellow Asian-American actress Lucy Liu for “opening the door” in Hollywood.
Back in 2000, Lucy Liu was the first Asian woman to host SNL, and 18 years later, Awkwafina is the second Asian woman and fifth Asian person to ever host the show in all its 43 years on air.
Tonight @awkwafina is second Asian female & fifth Asian person to host SNL ever. Can’t wait til we have to stop counting these stats.
— Candice (@candsjoy) October 7, 2018
Awkwafina describes waiting outside the 30 Rock studio in 2000 when Lucy Liu hosted, because it was such an important moment for Asian representation that she just wanted to even be close to the building.
“I just remember how important that episode was for me and how it changed what I thought was possible for an Asian-American woman.” She said.
“Standing here tonight is a dream that I never thought would come true. So thank you Lucy for opening the door.”
"Standing here tonight is a dream I never thought would come true. So thank you, @LucyLiu, for opening the door." — @awkwafina pic.twitter.com/wtwzNOfAwK
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) October 7, 2018
What this highlights about the low stats for Asian representation on SNL is absolutely wild, but at least Awkwafina hosting the show can now be to other people like her, what seeing Lucy Liu on that stage was to Awkwafina.
I was crying in my room listening to @awkwafina monologue tonight because she encapsulated how I feel about seeing her on @nbcsnl
— megmeg (@meghancpalmer) October 7, 2018
It’s a powerful reminder that representation matters, and the more effort we put into it, the better things will be.
who will write a movie for @awkwafina and @lucyliu? a tv show? a broadway musical that’s an asian hamilton? #snl
— Alyse Whitney (@AlyseWhitney) October 7, 2018
Now we will wait patiently for someone to handcraft the perfect project to star both Awkwafina and Lucy Liu so that they can bond and be boss women together.