Darren Criss made history at 70th Emmy Awards, winning Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.
By our calculations, Criss is the first Asian American actor to win in this category, only the second actor of Asian descent to win in any acting cateogry, and the first Filipino American actor to win an Emmy. Ever.
Criss received wide acclaim for his haunting star turn as real-life killer Andrew Cunanan (who was Filipino American, like Criss). Season two of the FX true crime anthology series chronicled Cunanan's notorious 1997 murder spree, in which he killed four men before shooting famed fashion designer Gianni Versace in Miami.
"Oh, my God, you guys are witnessing the most extraordinary moment of my life thus far," Criss exclaimed as he took the stage to accept the award.
"I'm very privileged to be in this room among so many people who inspire the crap out of me, and I'm so honored to be nominated," he continued. "A lot of you guys, I've been a fan of for such a long time. Actors are really only as good as the moments they are given and the moments they are granted. So I am profoundly indebted to my friend Ryan Murphy for entrusting me with this opportunity of a lifetime and for believing in me."
Criss also thanked his parents. "Unlike the character I played, I was lucky enough to be raised in a home that was very loving and emphasized the value of hard work, compassion and not taking yourself too seriously."
The Assassination of Gianni Versace also picked up the trophy for Best Limited Series
More here: Darren Criss Calls Emmy Win the "Most Extraordinary Moment of My Life"
