Thai star stuns Hollywood with historic Emmy win (video)

Thai actress Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying, also known as Aokbab, dazzled New York by winning the Best Performance Emmy for her outstanding role in Netflix’s Hunger.

Thai cinema’s new leading lady is bringing more than just street food to the table. Aokbab secured the prestigious Best Performance by an Actress award at the 52nd International Emmy Awards in New York City. Her win for the compelling portrayal in Netflix Thailand’s hit series, Hunger, marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Thai actress to receive this distinguished accolade.

Hunger, produced by Sound Sound Production, is an intense journey into the world of fine dining and ambition. Aokbab stars as Aoy, a gifted street food chef from a humble family restaurant, who dives into the world of high-end cuisine under the brutal mentorship of a notorious chef.

The film, released in April last year, quickly climbed Netflix’s rankings, becoming one of the top 10 most-watched international films globally.

The 28 year old actress stood out from a competitive group of nominees, including Andriana Barraza (El Ultimo Vagon), Sara Giraudeau (Everything is Fine), and Jessica Hynes (There She Goes). In an Instagram post shared after her nomination, Aokbab expressed her amazement, writing, “Being nominated for the award is like a dream to me.”

Aokbab’s breakthrough role was in 2017’s Bad Genius, and she’s since earned a reputation not only for her acting but also for her work as a model. Her Emmy win cements her status as a rising star on the global stage and brings renewed attention to Thailand’s vibrant film industry, reported Bangkok Post.

With her blend of talent, humility, and drive, Aokbab’s win is not just personal—it’s a victory for Thai cinema.

In related news, two decades ago, Thai cinema was forever changed by the release of Shutter, a film that became a benchmark for horror enthusiasts worldwide. Directed by emerging talents Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom, Shutter is making a grand comeback this year with a remastered 4K version, reigniting the terror and nostalgia that cemented its place in horror history.