There were many notable winners at the 81st Golden Globes, but Asian actors like Ali Wong, Steven Yeun and many more demonstrate why Asian representation in Hollywood is important and meaningful.

In the past few years, Hollywood has seen an increase in Asian actors. This year has shown that with movies like “Barbie,” where actor Simu Liu plays Ken, Asian Americans can play a powerful character in films.

In animation films, Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli who made films like “Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle,” won a Golden Globe in the best animated feature film category for his newest film, “The Boy and the Heron,” as expected. The film, which premiered on Dec. 8, 2023, is about a 12-year-old boy who moves to a small town after his mother’s death, however, he is later informed by a talking heron that his mother is alive and goes after her in a tower that takes him into another world..

Wong and Yeun won for Best Actress and Best Actor in a Mini-Series for their performances in the road rage drama “Beef.” Their recognition was the first Golden Globe wins for both actors. 

In their Golden Globe speeches, Wong said, “The friendship that I made with you and Steven and Jake and the rest of the cast and crew will always be the best thing that came out of ‘Beef.’” 

The Netflix show also made history for being the first show to star and be created by Asian Americans to win at the Golden Globes for best television limited series, anthology series or motion picture made for television.

“I’m just so thankful. I’m just the recipient of a long line of compassion and love and protection and goodwill, so I appreciate this,” said Yeun.

“Beef” also won at the Emmys for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series bagging multiple wins in two separate award shows.