‘These talented individuals are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent of the Filipino community.’
The Tony Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in the theater world, recently celebrated its latest crop of winners. Among them are two talented Filipino Americans who made history with their outstanding performances.
Darren Criss, known for his versatility on stage and screen, took home his first Tony for his performance in “Maybe Happy Ending.” Criss is of Filipino descent on his mother’s side, Cerina. His father is the late Charles William Criss.
Another Filipino American who shone bright at the Tony Awards is Nicole Scherzinger whose performance as Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” received widespread acclaim from critics. Her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence were particularly noted. Scherzinger’s Tony follows her Laurence Olivier Award win for the same role in the UK production.
Another Filipino who won at the Tony Awards is Marco Paguia for Best Orchestrations for “Buena Vista Social Club.”
Meanwhile, Conrad Ricamora was nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play for “Oh Mary” and Clint Ramos in Best Costume Design of a Musical for “Maybe Happy Ending.”
Our very own Lea Salonga served as a presenter at the Tony Awards, continuing her legacy as a trailblazer for Filipino artists in theater.
Scherzinger’s emotional speech during the awards ceremony highlighted her pride in representing Hawaii, Ukraine and the Philippines. She dedicated her win to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong, saying, “Thank you for making this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream come true.”
These talented individuals are a testament to the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent of the Filipino community. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring performers and a reminder of the impact that Filipino Americans can have on the world stage.
The success of Nicole, Darren, Marco and other Filipino American artists in the entertainment industry is a celebration of the diversity and talent that the Philippines has to offer. As the Filipino community continues to make its mark on Broadway and beyond, we can’t wait to see what’s next for these talented performers.
