Though the 72nd Golden Globe Awards saw many deserving winners take the stage, the “Best Actress in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical” category delivered the best and most surprising win. Gina Rodriguez, star of the CW’s “Jane, the Virgin” became the recipient of the network’s first major awards win for her performance as the lead in the freshman series. 

READ MORE: Golden Globes 2015: Surprise Winners And Snubs

Based on a Venezuelan telenovela, “Jane” tells the story of a young woman who, as the title implies is a virgin, but is accidentally inseminated during a visit to the doctor. Given its telenovela roots, the plot of the series is predictably insane. There are secret affairs, evil Russians, suspicious deaths and one hell of a love triangle. 

It all sounds crazy on paper, but the show itself remains surprisingly grounded. Much of this can be attributed to its star, Rodriguez. The entire show rests on her shoulders, but she carries it well with her phenomenal talent. Like “Ugly Betty” before, a show from which “Jane” clearly bears influence, the show could never succeed with a lesser actress at the helm. 

READ MORE: Best And Worst New Shows Of Fall 2014

“Jane” may have been nominated in the comedy categories at the Golden Globes, but it’s in the show’s more dramatic moments where Rodriguez really shines. Her honest and genuine performance brings a relatability to the character Jane. She may have the world’s craziest life, but she reacts to it like a real person would. The show succeeds through Jane and through Rodriguez.

Like last year’s wins for “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” the win for Rodriguez is an example of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognizing impressive newcomers. Rodriguez was up against heavy-hitters like awards darling Julia Louis-Dreyfus and previous winner Lena Dunham, but still managed to come away with the well-deserved win.

In her sweet and emotional acceptance speech, which she dedicated to her parents, Rodriguez mentioned that the win was bigger than just her. “It represents a culture that wants to see themselves as heroes,” she said.

READ MORE: The Role Of A Latina Woman In Hollywood

She elaborated during her press room interview afterward saying, “First and foremost, the nomination alone was a win for me because it allowed Latinos to see themselves in a beautiful light. It allowed them to see themselves where we all desire to be. Invited to the same party.”

This is a sentiment Rodriguez has expressed before, explaining that she turned down a role in “Devious Maids” because she wanted to wait for a role that expanded what it means to be Latino in the media. Aware of her influence as an actress, Rodriguez has emphasized the importance of giving kids a positive Latina role model on screen. 

Given her the reactions to her win tonight and the seemingly universal love for “Jane, the Virgin” among both critics and fans, it looks like the breakout star is succeeding in her goal.

Reach Film Editor Reid Nakamura here.