Awkwafina Wins 'Made In NY' Award From Mayor's Office

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Golden Globe-winning actress and Queens native Awkwafina has been honored with a "Made in NY" award by the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment.

Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, is the executive producer and star of the Comedy Central show "Awkwafina is Nora From Queens," inspired by her upbringing in the World's Borough.

In January, she was awarded a Golden Globe for her role in the movie "The Farewell," becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win a Golden Globe for lead actress in a comedy or musical.

She was born in Forest Hills and attended LaGuardia High School, where she studied music.

"This Made in NY award means so much to a girl from Queens who grew up seeing very few people who looked like me on screen, much less receiving awards," Awkwafina said in a prepared statement. "I want to thank the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and I hope this honor will inspire any New Yorker who feels left out, ignored or denied to reach for their dreams."

Established in 2006, the awards recognize people who have made "significant contributions" to New York City's entertainment and digital media industries, according to a news release.

Prior recipients include Meryl Streep, Whoopi Goldberg, Rachael Ray, Tina Fey and Spike Lee.

Awkwafina will be recognized at the New York Women in Film & Television's 41st MUSE Awards virtual ceremony on Dec. 17.