Darren Criss makes history as first Fil-Am actor to win an Emmy

Darren Criss, winner of the award for outstanding lead actor in a limited series, movie or dramatic special for “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” poses in the press room at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Darren Criss makes history as the first Filipino-American actor to win an award at the 70th Emmy prime-time Awards on Monday.

“You guys are witnessing the most extraordinary moment of my life thus far,” he said during his acceptance speech.

Criss won as the award for outstanding lead actor in a limited series or movie for his role in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.”

“I’m so very privileged to be in this room amongst so many people that inspire the living crap out of me and I’m so honored to be nominated, a lot of you guys I have been a fan of for such a long time,” he added.

Criss thanked Director Ryan Murphy for “entrusting” him with the role of Andrew Cunanan, the killer in the series.

“Actors are really only as good as the moments they are given and moments they are granted and so I am so profoundly indebted to my friend Ryan Murphy for entrusting me with this opportunity of a lifetime and for believing in me,” Criss said.

“The Assassination of Gianni Versace” star Criss, who is of Filipino descent and is the second Asian-American actor to claim an acting award after Riz Ahmed’s win last year for “The Night After.” Criss is the first actor of Filipino descent to win an acting award in the Emmy Awards.

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Darren Criss was also known for his break-out role in the American musical comedy-drama “Glee” as Blaine Anderson.   /muf