AA+PIs make history at 78th Tony Awards
'Maybe Happy Ending' was the biggest winner of the evening with six Tonys out of 10 nominations, including a first for Darren Criss
Darren Criss wins Tony for his role in 'Maybe Happy Ending'
CBS
Words by Daniel Anderson
The 78th annual Tony Awards on Sunday at Radio City Music Hall—hosted by Oscar nominee and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo—marked a milestone year for Asian artists on Broadway, with Maybe Happy Ending emerging as the most-awarded production of the night.
The original musical, co-created by Hue Park and Will Aronson earned six Tonys out of 10 nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score. Darren Criss took home his first Tony for Leading Actor in a Musical, becoming the first performer of Asian descent to do so. Michael Arden won Best Direction of a Musical, marking his second consecutive win in the category.
In his acceptance speech, Criss thanked his co-star Helen J. Shen, and had some heartfelt words for his wife, Mia. “Mia, you are the very pedestal that upholds the shiny spinny bit in our lives and your love and your support for me and our beautiful children, combined with the miracle of working on something as magical as Maybe Happy Ending, has been and will always be award enough.”
Asian representation was further highlighted with Yellow Face by David Henry Hwang earning Francis Jue the Tony for Featured Actor in a Play. Jue is the first Asian talent to win in the category since BD Wong in M. Butterfly in 1988. In addition, Daniel Dae Kim was the first actor of Asian descent to be nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for his role in Yellow Face.
Jue gave a nod to his fellow Asian creatives in his speech: “I’m only here because of the encouragement and inspiration of generations of wonderful Asian artists who came before me and never got the opportunity that I’ve had.” As he plays a character targeted by the government for his race, Jue ended his speech by encouraging others to be courageous. “For those who don’t feel seen, for those being targeted in authoritarian times,” he said. “I see you…and I hope that encourages you to be brave and dream big.”
Conrad Ricamora was nominated in the same category as for his role as Abraham Lincoln in Oh Mary!
Sunset Blvd. won three Tonys, including Best Revival of a Musical and Leading Actress in a Musical for Nicole Scherzinger’s turn as Norma Desmond. This is Scherizinger’s first Tony win and she became the first Native Hawaiian to win her category. The last actress of Asian descent to win her same category was Lea Salonga in 1991.
The Pussycat Dolls singer thanked the Tony Awards “for making this little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl's dream come true” and concluded by remarking that love and light are needed. “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,” Scherzinger said. “So if there is anyone who feels like they don't belong or your time hasn't come, don't give up. Just keep on giving and giving because the world needs your love and light more than ever. This is a testament that love always wins.”
Buena Vista Social Club also had a strong showing, winning four awards including Best Orchestrations for Marco Paguia.
The evening wasn’t just about awards—highlights included a showstopping 10th anniversary performance by the original cast of Hamilton, and an unexpected viral moment when Jonathan Groff delivered a solo while perched atop a surprised Keanu Reeves in the audience.
Published on June 9, 2025
Words by Daniel Anderson
Daniel Anderson is a disabled Chinese American adoptee based in Seattle. His freelance writing specialties include K-pop, entertainment, and food. He believes that any restaurant can be a buffet, and the key to success is to take a nap each day. Follow his adventures on Instagram @danzstan.