Nicole Scherzinger, Darren Criss Win First Tony Awards

At the 78th Tony Awards, Filipino-American actors Nicole Scherzinger and Darren Criss both won their first Tony Awards, marking significant milestones in their careers. Scherzinger won Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Desmond in the revival of Sunset Boulevard, delivering an emotional acceptance speech that celebrated her Filipino heritage and journey. Darren Criss took home Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending, which also won Best Musical among other awards; he made history as the first Asian American actor to win in this category. Sarah Snook, known for Succession, won Best Actress in a Play for her one-woman show The Picture of Dorian Gray, showcasing her versatility by performing all 26 roles. The awards also highlighted inclusivity and representation, with groundbreaking wins such as Cole Escola becoming the first openly non-binary actor to win Best Actor in a Play. The ceremony celebrated Broadway's resilience and evolution, reflecting its ongoing appeal and the rising influence of diverse voices on stage.