After breakout supporting roles in "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Ocean's 8,"Awkwafina is moving into the spotlight as a lead.

In the trailer for "The Farewell," she stars as Billi, a Chinese-born, U.S.-raised writer who finds out her grandmother is dying from cancer — only the grandmother doesn't know. Instead, the entire family creates an elaborate ruse (a big wedding) to secretly say their goodbyes to the matriarch.

The story is based on the life of writer-director Lulu Wang (the tagline is "Based on an Actual Lie"). The film was received very warmly earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival, with Awkwafina receiving particular praise for her lead performance.

"The Farewell" opens in theaters July 12.