'Borat 2' Star Maria Bakalova Reacts to Historic Golden Globes 2021 Nomination!

Maria Bakalova is a Golden Globe nominee!

The 24-year-old Bulgarian actress, who was a breakout star in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, shared a statement of excitement after receiving a nomination for her role in the movie.

“A person dreams and dreams and dreams but things are so unpredictable,” Maria shared in a statement via Deadline. “It’s incredible what is happening, I’m speechless.”

Maria was nominated for the Golden Globes’ category for Best Performance By an Actress In A Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Rosamund Pike, Kate Hudson, and Anya Taylor-Joy.

In the film, Maria plays Tutar, the daughter to Sacha Baron Cohen‘s character Borat. The 49-year-old actor received two Golden Globes nominations – Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm and Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture for his role in The Trail of the Chicago 7. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm also received a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Maria is the first ever Bulgarian actress to receive a Golden Globe nomination.

“What excites and motivates me the most is the prospect of many Eastern European actors and creators being noticed and finding opportunities in Western cinema where they have not been represented,” Maria added. “People who have an accent and may not be speaking perfect English but are working really hard on that. They could finally be given a chance to play multi-dimensional characters like Tutar.”

Since Borat Subsequent Moviefilm was released late last year, Sacha has been singing his praises for Maria, calling her “one of the most courageous actors in history.”

The 2021 Golden Globes will air on February 28 – you can see the full list of nominees here!