Filipino-American stars Darren Criss and Nicole Scherzinger took center stage at the 78th Tony Awards with landmark victories that marked their first-ever Tony wins and a shining moment for Pinoy pride on Broadway.
Darren Criss won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending, a heartfelt story set in Seoul about retired Helperbot 3 Oliver, whose quiet life changes after meeting another robot, Claire. Criss not only played the lead but also served as one of the musical’s producers, with Maybe Happy Ending also winning Best Musical, among other major honors.
In his speech, Criss dedicated the award to his wife, Mia, for her unwavering support throughout the production:
“The real hero of this remarkable journey is my wife… so that I could raise a singing robot at the Belasco Theatre eight times a week… Your love and your support… has been and will always be awarded enough.”
He also paid tribute to his Filipina mother, Cerina Bru, who was born in Cebu.
SEE Darren Criss’ acceptance speech here:
WATCH Darren on Maybe Happy Ending here:
Nicole Scherzinger earned the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her Broadway debut as the iconic Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. The Andrew Lloyd Webber revival also won Best Revival of a Musical.
In her emotional speech, Scherzinger honored her multicultural roots:
“Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong and I have come home, at last… This is a testament that love always wins.”
She proudly celebrated her Filipino identity on the Tony stage, saying:
“Thank you for making this little Hawaiian Ukrainian Filipino girl’s dream come true.”
SEE Nicole Scherzinger accept her award here:
WATCH Nicole on Sunset Blvd. here:
Both artists are known to proudly represent their Filipino heritage—Criss through his Cebuana mother, and Scherzinger through her Filipino father, Alfonso Valiente. Their wins brought historic visibility to Filipino-American excellence on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
The 78th Tony Awards took place on June 8, 2025 (June 9 in Manila), at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, hosted by Wicked star Cynthia Erivo. Tony Award-winning Broadway Diva, Filipina Lea Salonga, also graced the stage as a presenter.
Lea Salonga made a memorable return to the Tony Awards stage as a presenter in 2021—relive that moment of Filipino pride in this GoodNewsPilipinas.com feature.
The celebration of Filipino talent continued with additional nominees and winners:
- Marco Paguia won Best Orchestrations for Buena Vista Social Club
- Conrad Ricamora and Clint Ramos earned nominations for Oh Mary and Maybe Happy Ending, respectively
Celebrate more Filipino triumphs on the global stage by exploring our Good Show stories at GoodNewsPilipinas.com.
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