Filipino pride soared high at the 78th Annual Tony Awards as Nicole Scherzinger and Darren Criss claimed top honors for their leading roles in musical theater, bringing home the Best Actress and Best Actor trophies in a night that highlighted both excellence and emotional resonance.
Scherzinger captivated audiences and critics alike with her powerful portrayal in Sunset Boulevard, earning her the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. In an emotional speech, she paid tribute to her multicultural roots and those who believed in her journey: “Thank you for making this Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream come true. So proud to represent,” she said. Reflecting on her past, she added, “Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong… This is a testament that love always wins.”
Criss, who starred in the innovative musical Maybe Happy Ending, secured the Best Actor award for his lead performance. He dedicated his win to his wife, Mia, acknowledging the sacrifices she made so he could pursue the role. “The real hero for this remarkable journey is my wife Mia… to bear the brunt of raising two tiny friends under three, so that I could raise a singing robot at the Belasco Theater eight times a week,” he said.
The evening also saw other Filipino-American talents being recognized. Conrad Ricamora received a nomination for his featured role in Oh Mary, while acclaimed costume designer Clint Ramos earned a nod for Maybe Happy Ending. Though they didn’t take home trophies, their presence underscored the growing influence of Filipino artists on Broadway.
Lea Salonga, a Tony winner herself, joined the ceremony as a presenter, continuing her legacy of representing Filipinos on the world stage.
The 2025 Tony Awards, held at Radio City Music Hall, celebrated theater’s finest achievements. Maybe Happy Ending emerged as the evening’s big winner, bagging Best Musical along with several major awards including Best Book, Score, and Direction. Sunset Boulevard was named Best Revival of a Musical, adding another feather to Scherzinger’s victory.
