Filipino Americans shine brightly with historic nods for Drama League, Tony Awards
NEW YORK CITY: Filipino American talent is shining brightly this awards season. From being featured in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world to earning a spot on Gold House's A100 list of influential Asian Americans, Fil-Ams continue to make waves.
Several artists of Filipino lineage have also received nominations for the Drama League and Tony Awards.
Among them, Nicole Scherzinger, a pop singer turned Broadway star, stands out for her inclusion in all four prestigious groups.
Recently, the Filipino American powerhouse was named to Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential people globally and to Gold House's A100 list of impactful Asian Pacific leaders.
She is also a leading nominee for both the Drama League and Tony Awards for her acclaimed performance in 'Sunset Boulevard.'
Additionally, she is set to perform solo shows at Carnegie Hall in New York and Disney Hall in Los Angeles this fall – marking milestones in her career.
The former Pussycat Doll and Laurence Olivier Award winner has received widespread praise for her portrayal of Norma Desmond, earning a Tony nomination for Best Actress. Her performance, which received a six-minute standing ovation, has been lauded for its emotional depth and power, establishing her as a major Broadway talent.
Beyond her acting achievements, Scherzinger has recently opened up about her struggles with fame and mental health, sharing her journey toward embracing her authentic self. She often credits her resilient lineage – strong women from Hawaii and Kentucky – for her confidence and authenticity. At age 46, she confidently celebrates her natural beauty, challenging industry standards and embracing aging gracefully.
'Part of my superpower is where I come from,' she told People magazine. 'I bring my ancestors with me on that stage every night.' She also described her Broadway debut as a lifelong dream fulfilled. 'I finally get to share all of me and who I truly am with this role. That's the ultimate success.'
Scherzinger reflects on her journey, telling People that 'where I come from is part of my superpower. I carry my ancestors with me every time I step on stage.' She added, 'Growing up, I often felt like I didn't fit in, but now I realise that those differences make me unique and strong.'
In celebration of theatrical excellence, other Filipino American performers are also being recognised this year.
Broadway legend Lea Salonga is among the recipients of the Drama League's Distinguished Performance Award.
She is being honored for her work in Stephen Sondheim's 'Old Friends.'
Fellow Drama League nominees include Scherzinger, Tatianna Córdoba ('Real Women Have Curves') and Darren Criss ('Maybe Happy Ending').
Established in 1922, the Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America and are uniquely voted on by the entire theatre community, reflecting broad industry support.
The awards will be held May 16 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
Meanwhile, this year, five Filipinos received historic Tony Award nominations. Besides Scherzinger and Criss, other nominees include Conrad Ricamora, Clint Ramos, and Marco Paguia, announced on May 1 in New York.
Criss is nominated for his lead role in 'Maybe Happy Ending,' which received ten nominations, including Best Musical.
Like Scherzinger, this is his first Tony nomination. He expressed gratitude and excitement in an interview with Playbill. 'Since day one, Maybe Happy Ending has been an ongoing miracle. I'm overwhelmed with joy and grateful to be part of such a talented team,' he said.
The former Glee star's character in the musical, set in near-future Seoul, explores themes of companionship, love and the human experience amid technological reliance, as two outdated HelperBots, Oliver and Claire, navigate emotions like love and friendship.
Ricamora, known for roles in 'How to Get Away with Murder' and 'The King and I,' also earned his first Tony nomination for his role in 'Oh, Mary!,' a dark comedy about unrequited yearning and suppressed desires.
The actor who played Ninoy Aquino in 'Here Lies Love' shared on social media, 'It hasn't really sunk in yet. I've always dreamed of working in theatre and storytelling, and this recognition means the world to me.'
A relatively lesser-known Filipino musician, Paguia gained recognition as a nominee for Best Orchestrations for Buena Vista Social Club. A music arranger, orchestrator, conductor and pianist, he expressed his gratitude: 'I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. It's thrilling to be nominated alongside such talented artists. I'm honored to share the legacy of Cuban music with audiences every night.'
Finally, Cebu-born Ramos, a Tony winner and this year's nominee for his work on 'Maybe Happy Ending,' is no stranger to the Tonys.
This is his seventh nomination. He expressed gratitude and dedicated his nomination 'to the entire company of 'Maybe Happy Ending.' May we all live in this musical's themes of love and what it truly means to be human.' - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
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