NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 08: Awkwafina attends the Longchamp Spring/Summer 2019 Runway Show at World Trade Center on September 8, 2018 in New York City.
Photo by Jared Siskin/Getty Images for Longchamp
Crazy Rich Asians star Awkwafina hosted Saturday Night Live last night, serving as the first Asian-American woman to host the show in 18 years. Lucy Lui hosted the show in 2000.
In her opening monologue, Awkwafina tackled the assumption that she's now a "crazy rich Asian," discussed growing up in Queens and then shared a story from the time Lucy Lui hosted SNL.
“Back in 2000, I came here to 30 Rock and waited outside when my idol Lucy Liu hosted SNL,” she said. “I was a kid and I didn’t have a ticket, so I knew I wasn’t getting in, but I just wanted to be near the building. I remember how important that episode was for me and how it totally changed what I thought was possible for an Asian-American woman. Standing here tonight is a dream I never thought would come true. So, thank you, Lucy, for opening the door. I wasn’t able to make into the building then but, 18 years later, I am hosting the show. I love you, Lucy Liu! Be my friend!”