On Sunday, Ali Wong made history when she claimed the 2025 Golden Globe for best performance in Stand-up Comedy on Television. Notably, Wong’s win marked a milestone when she became the second stand-up comedian to receive this honor. In the previous year, Ricky Gervais took home the inaugural award. Specifically, Wong’s win is attributed to the success of her fourth stand-up special, Ali Wong: Single Lady, which is available on Netflix.
Ali Wong’s Acceptance Speech
In the special, Ali Wong offers her hilarious and relatable exploration of life after divorce. Due to this achievement, Wong solidified her position as a leading voice in Comedy. While accepting her Golden Globe award, the comedian took time to reflect on her humble beginnings in San Francisco’s comedy scene. She expressed gratitude and acknowledged how vital small comedy clubs were in launching her stand-up career. These clubs provide a place to hone her craft and refine her skills through numerous performances.
Afterward, the comedian spoke about the individuals who supported her along the way, expressing her appreciation to Molly Schminke from the San Fransisco Comedy Club. Specifically, she recognized Sminke for the invaluable opportunities she was given. Additionally, Wong thanked her best friend, Mia Serafino, who was in attendance, for encouraging her throughout the years.
Netflix’s Ali Wong: Single Lady
Ali Wong has gained widespread recognition for her multiple Netflix specials. These stand-ups include 2016’s Baby Cobra, 2018’s Hard Knock Wife, 2022’s Don Wong, and 2024’s Single Lady. In addition to her historic Globe Globe win, she became the first Asian woman to take home the lead acting Emmy. Besides stand-up comedy, Wong found success in the film and television industry. The stand-up special, Ali Wong: Single Lady, shows the comedian courageously sharing her personal journey and love life after her marriage ended.
Both audiences and critics resonated with its unflinching honesty, earning the comedian a prestigious Golden Globe award. At this year’s event, the competition in Wong’s category was intense with numerous nominees vying for the top shot. The contenders include Jamie Foxx (What Had Happened Was), Nikki Glaser (Someday You’ll Die), Seth Meyers (Dad Man Walking), Adam Sandler (Love You), and Ramy Youssef (More Feelings). In the end, Wong’s ability to capture the hearts of the Golden Globe voters with her relatable, yet raw, humor gave her the edge.
Golden Globe Stand-Up Comedy Category
The Golden Globe’s “Best Performance in Stand-up Comedy on Television” honors comedians who deliver exceptional performances. Eligibility requires that every performance meet specific criteria, including a minimum duration of 30 consecutive minutes. Having been introduced just last year, the Golden Globe category for stand-up comedy is relatively new.
Previously, Ricky Gervais made history by winning the inaugural award, beating Chris Rock, Trevor Noah, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman, and Wanda Sykes. What’s more? The growing popularity of live stand-up comedy specials has led major streaming platforms, like Netflix and HBO, to invest in them. As a result, this shift has offered more star-driven stand-up specials, elevating the profile of stand-up comedy even higher. Comedians can showcase their talents to a broader audience.
Celebrating Wong’s Historic Win
Although Ali Wong’s win was historic, this wouldn’t be her first time receiving a Golden Globe. Indeed, the comedian took home a Golden Globe for her performance in Netflix’s comedy-drama series, Beef, in early 2024. In the series, she plays Amu Lau, a complex character embroiled in a road rage incident.
Nonetheless, this historic win marked a significant milestone in her career. Alongside Wong’s Golden Globe win, Beef also took home “Best Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film.” Moreover, Steven Yeun’s win for “Best Actor” and Wong’s win for “Best Actresses” solidified the cast’s impressive performance.
