Although she was, frankly, snubbed by the Academy this year, Awkwafina still had a hell of a year that truly put her on the map as an actor to take seriously. He role in The Farewell has opened up plenty of opportunities for her, and she’s already got herself another exciting starring role.
She will star in The Baccarat Machine, a film based on the true story of Cheung Yin “Kelly” Sun, who is considered the most successful female gambler in modern history.
Inspired by Las Vegas insider Michael Kaplan‘s Cigar Aficionado article of the same name – the first movie ever based off a Cigar Aficionado article, surely? – the film will tell the true story of Sun, who turned her talent and obsession for payback into beating the system at their own game.
As she gained more success, major casinos conspired to bar her from their properties. But Sun partnered with legendary poker player Phil Ivey in order to take down the system through subterfuge and ingenuity, which resulted “one of the most ingenious legal gambling runs ever documented”.
This sounds great. Andy Bellin is currently writing the script, and the producers are in talks with potential directors. There should be filmmakers lining up around the block to take a crack at this story with a hot new star attached. It will be interesting to see who gets the gig.
Although the Oscars subbed her, Awkwafina did deservedly win the Golden Globe for Best Lead Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her performance in The Farewell, and her new Comedy Central show Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens just begun airing to positive reviews.
#Peace.Love.TheBaccaratMachine
