The 78th Tony Awards, held on June 9th, marked a significant evening for the Hawaiian community, reflecting an unprecedented representation on theatre’s biggest stage.
Throughout history, Hawai’i has produced notable talents showcased at the Tonys, including Bette Midler and Ruthie Ann Miles, but this year saw a remarkable collection of shout-outs and victories that spotlighted the islands.
This year’s ceremony came just after the release of a live-action ‘Lilo&Stitch’ movie featuring a host of native Hawaiian and local artists, alongside upcoming projects like Jason Momoa’s ‘Chief of War’ and a retelling of ‘Moana.’
These changes suggest a burgeoning era of visibility and recognition for Hawaii’s artists.
The ceremony began on an exciting note with famed mixed-Hawaiian actor Keanu Reeves, alongside his ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’ co-star Alex Winter, presenting the first televised Tony of the night.
Reeves and Winter awarded the Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play to Sarah Snook for her remarkable portrayal of all 26 characters in ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray.’
Later in the evening, an amusing moment occurred when Jonathan Groff, a Tony nominee, performed ‘Just In Time.’
During the performance, he straddled the armrests of Reeves’ chair, playfully interacting with him while singing Bobby Darin’s classic ‘That’s All,’ leading to laughter across Radio City Music Hall.
Shortly thereafter, Natalie Venetia Belcon, accepting her award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Omara Portuondo in ‘Buena Vista Social Club,’ praised her band and gave a shout-out to a fellow Hawaiian celebrity.
“Hey, Jason! How you doin’?” she exclaimed, addressing Jason Momoa directly during her acceptance speech, showcasing the interconnectedness of Hawaii’s stars.
The night culminated with a powerful musical performance of ‘Jugglin’’ from ‘Real Women Have Curves,’ presented by Auli’i Cravalho, who dazzled the audience in a stunning pink-and-orange ballgown.
Cravalho, best known for voicing Moana, has become a respected figure in musical theatre, noted for her roles in both the film adaptation of the ‘Mean Girls’ musical and her performance as Sally Bowles in ‘Cabaret’ on Broadway.
However, the highlight of the night for Hawai’i was Nicole Scherzinger’s triumph in winning the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Desmond in ‘Sunset Boulevard.’
Having previously won the Olivier Award for the same role in London, her success at the Tonys was highly anticipated.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Scherzinger expressed her gratitude towards her family, referring to them as ‘ohana, and dedicated her win to her Tūtū and Papa, a reflection of her cultural roots.
“This little Hawaiian-Ukrainian-Filipino girl’s dream has come true,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of her diverse heritage.
Her performance of ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ during the ceremony was not only powerful but also resonated deeply with those in attendance.
Scherzinger’s win came after a recent controversy related to a comment she made on social media concerning Russel Brand, in which many perceived her support for his social and political views as contradictory to her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Following backlash, Scherzinger issued an apology, clarifying her stance and reinforcing her commitment to marginalized communities.
Despite this turbulent period, her win at the Tonys seemed to signify a fresh chapter in her career, and comments from other Tony winners, like Cole Escola joking about her time in the spotlight, hinted at the ongoing speculation surrounding her.
Social media has since erupted with support, as fans and followers displayed pride in seeing a kanaka celebrated for her outstanding performance.
As Scherzinger concluded her acceptance speech, she addressed those who feel disconnected or overlooked: “If there’s anyone out there 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 your light now more than ever.
This [award] is a testament that love always wins.
image source from：https://www.broadwayworld.com/hawaii/article/Hawaii-Shines-at-The-78th-Tony-Awards-20250610
