Vietnamese-American actress Ali Wong's awards-show dress requires van transport

Wong, nominated for her role in the TV series "Beef," arrived at the event in a sprinter van, standing up in the back throughout the journey, as revealed by Glamour magazine last week.

Her couture gown, crafted by designer Iris van Herpen, featured laser-cut, diamond-shaped fabric pieces cascading off the shoulders, creating a visually stunning effect. But the dress required too much space for Wong to sit in a normal car – hence, the van.

The 44-year-old actress, known for her comedic prowess, shared her hairstylist’s poignant comment about the event: "You haven't made it until you've gone to an awards show in a sprinter van."

Styled for the evening by Tara Swennen, for her hair and face Wong opted for a simple, in contrast to her dress, yet elegant look, wearing her hair in a center-parted ponytail. Clear-framed glasses and minimal makeup complemented her ensemble.

Having already secured a Golden Globe and an Emmy during the 2024 awards season for her portrayal of Amy Lau in "Beef," Wong has garnered attention for her transformative performance, embodying a complex character that delves into the experiences of Asian individuals in America.

Wong made history as the first woman of Asian descent to win the acting category in a miniseries at the Emmy Awards.

Born in California to a Vietnamese mother and Chinese-American father, Ali Wong's family history includes her mother relocating from Hue, Vietnam, in 1960 to work as a social worker in the U.S., while her father served as an anesthesiologist for a U.S. healthcare company.

Wong, the youngest of four children, graduated from San Francisco University High School in 2000, where she held the position of student body class president.

Pursuing Asian-American studies at the University of California, she later spent time in Hanoi during her junior year. Post-college, Wong continued her studies in Vietnam through a Fulbright program, as reported by The Washington Post.