Asian performers make history at 2025 Tony Awards

Three Asian and Asian American performers won major acting honors at the 78th annual Tony Awards, held June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City — the highest number of AAPI acting wins in a single year.

Why it matters: This marks the first time three acting categories were won by Asian performers, according to the Theatre Development Fund. Past Asian and Asian American Tony winners also include B.D. Wong for “M. Butterfly” (1988), Lea Salonga for “Miss Saigon” (1991), Ruthie Ann Miles for “The King and I” (2015) and Michael Aronov for “Oslo” (2017).

Historic first: Filipino American Darren Criss won best leading actor in a musical for “Maybe Happy Ending,” becoming the first Asian American to receive that award. In his speech, he dedicated his win to his wife Mia, calling her “the real hero” of his career. “To allow this crazy upheaval in our life, to make this logistically possible and for bearing the brunt of raising two tiny friends under three, so that I could raise a singing robot at the Belasco Theatre eight times a week.”
Making an impact: Chinese American Francis Jue took home best featured actor in a play for “Yellow Face.” He is the second Asian American male to win a Tony in an acting category, following Wong’s win. “To those who don’t feel seen and those who are feeling targeted during these authoritarian times, I see you,” Jue said in his speech.
Taking the lead: Filipina American Nicole Scherzinger earned best leading actress in a musical for “Sunset Boulevard,” becoming the second Asian American woman to do so — after Salonga won. “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 in tears.
Groundbreaking win: Marco Paguia won best orchestrations for “Buena Vista Social Club,” a technical first for a Filipino in that category. After winning, he told BroadwayWorld he was excited to see Broadway embrace Cuban music and culture.
Other AAPI nominees: This year’s ceremony also featured Daniel Dae Kim, who was nominated for best leading actor in a play for “Yellow Face,” Conrad Ricamora for “Oh, Mary!” and Tala Ashe for “English.”

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

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