3 Fil-Ams score historic triumphs at 2025 Tony Awards

History was made on Broadway on Sunday, June 8th, as three talented Filipino-Americans celebrated major wins at the 78th Annual Antoinette Perry Tony Awards, widely considered theater's most prestigious night. Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss, and Marco Paguia each took home the coveted award, marking the first time this many Fil-Ams have triumphed on a single Tony night.

Nicole Scherzinger delivered a poignant acceptance speech upon winning Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in the acclaimed revival of Sunset Blvd. Stepping onto the stage at the iconic Radio City Music Hall, she tearfully thanked God, acknowledged her fellow nominees as "exceptional warrior women," and spoke proudly of her heritage, stating she was honored to represent "this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream." She also paid tribute to her supportive family, including her mother who "gave everything up" for her, her fiancé, the creative team led by director Jamie Lloyd, and her co-star Tom Francis.

Scherzinger, who previously won an Olivier Award for the same role in London, concluded her speech with a powerful message of hope. Sharing that she often felt like she didn't belong growing up, she told the audience that they had made her feel at home. She encouraged anyone feeling similarly to "don’t give up," emphasizing that the world needs their "love and your light" and that "love always wins."

Meanwhile, Darren Criss achieved a historic first as the first Filipino-American to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his role as Oliver, an obsolete robot, in Maybe Happy Ending. The musical itself also won Best Musical among other honors. In his speech, Criss expressed gratitude to the many people who supported his journey, including his mother, teachers, and the cast he affectionately called "little robots."

A significant part of Criss's remarks was dedicated to his wife, Mia, praising her "massive swing" and sacrifice in allowing him to pursue the role while raising their young children. He lovingly described her as "the very pedestal that upholds the shiny, spinny bit in our lives." He dedicated the award to the loving memory of his late father, Bill, and brother, Chuck, before wrapping up with enthusiasm to celebrate with his "favorite kind of people to party with — theater people!" Adding to the night's highlights, fellow Filipino Broadway icon Lea Salonga introduced the production number featuring Criss and the cast of Maybe Happy Ending during the ceremony.

Composer, music director, conductor, and pianist Marco Paguia also celebrated a remarkable night, receiving two Tony Awards related to the musical Buena Vista Social Club. Paguia won the competitive award for Best Orchestrations and was also part of the band that received a special Tony Award, being integral to the show's on-stage musical presence. His work was recently highlighted by The New York Times, which praised his orchestrations for their intensely live sound, capturing the authentic feel of the band's performance.

These victories capped off an already notable season for Filipino-Americans on Broadway, which saw a record five talents receive Tony nominations. Aside from the three winners, Conrad Ricamora earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for Oh, Mary!, becoming the first Fil-Am nominated in this category. Costume designer Clint Ramos received his seventh Tony nomination for Maybe Happy Ending, adding to his already historic win in 2016 for Eclipsed.

The strong showing at the Tonys reflects the vibrant presence of Filipino talent currently gracing Broadway stages, including legendary Lea Salonga (Old Friends), Eva Noblezada (Cabaret), Tatianna Cordoba (Real Women Have Curves: The Musical), Kay Sibal (Six the Musical), and Raechelle Manalo, Nico DeJesus, and Niki Saludez in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen. Filipino-Americans also contribute behind the scenes, with actor Jose Llana and playwright, director, and producer Ralph Peña serving on the independent committee that selects the Tony nominees.