Aokbab-Chutimon Wins Best Actress at the 52nd International Emmy® Awards for Netflix’s HUNGER

Netflix Thailand achieved another milestone in history with HUNGER, the English-language drama that took the world by storm. Upon release in 2023, this film immediately gained worldwide attention, reaching #1 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English Films chart in 51 countries and breaching the Top 10 in a further 91. Success was amplified as the “Crybaby Noodles” trend also went viral across social media, which catapulted HUNGER beyond a film-it turned into a cultural phenomenon.

Success for the film reached new heights when Chutimon “Aokbab” Chuengcharoensukying was called to the stage for Best Performance by an Actress at the prestigious 52nd International Emmy® Awards. Aoy, brought on an incredible journey from humble noodle vendor to determined contender in the cutthroat world of haute cuisine, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Chutimon’s award brings recognition not only of her incredible talent but also an important historic moment as she becomes the first Thai actress to win this accolade.

Tearfully, in her acceptance speech, Chutimon said:

“Thank you so much; this means so much to me. I would like to thank the Academy for giving me this acknowledgment. Thank you to my team, HUNGER. Thank you to my showrunner, Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, my producer Soros Sukhum, and my director, Sitisiri Mongkolsiri. Thank you for believing in me. And to all the cast and crew, as well as all the chefs-if you’re watching… your support brought my character to life. Special thanks to Netflix Thailand for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”

The International Emmy® for Best Performance by an Actress goes to Aokbab-Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying in “Hunger” produced by Sound Sound Production / Netflix#iemmyWIN pic.twitter.com/ayESikNVOy

— International Emmy Awards (@iemmys) November 26, 2024

A Legacy of Excellence for Thai Cinema

Helmed by director Sitisiri Mongkolsiri and penned by celebrated screenwriter Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, HUNGER has shaped up to be a force in Thai storytelling. The film earlier emerged as a winner in Best Feature Film at the 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) held in Singapore, coupled with two National Winner awards: Best Original Screenplay for Kongdej Jaturanrasmee, and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Nopachai “Peter” Jayanama, whose performance as the mysterious Chef Paul remains unforgettable.

This recognition at the International Emmy ® Awards reinforces the impact of HUNGER, not only as a fascinating narrative but indeed also as a symbol of the burgeoning international appeal of Thai cinema. Richly layered storytelling combined with stellar performances has granted a lift to Thailand’s profile on the world stage.

Chutimon’s win has left the Thai film enthusiasts in pride, celebrating a new era for cinematic achievements of their country. That is not a win but a victory for all of Thai storytelling, proving once again that borderless stories can move mountains.

On the other hand, with HUNGER, Netflix Thailand continues to forge the path toward bringing local stories to the world-one milestone after another.