Joy Huerta and Justina Machado: Hispanic art recognized at the Tony Awards

The 78th annual Tony Awards, to be held June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, will have a Hispanic presence. The American Theatre Wing and The Tony Broadway League offered the names of the nominees for each of the awards to be given at the new edition of what are considered the Oscars of theater. Latino talent is not absent.

Mexican singer Joy Huerta, known for being the lead singer of the group Jesse & Joy, was chosen among the candidates aspiring to win the award for Best Original Score, for her work as composer of the music that plays in the play "Real Women Have Curves: The Musical."

Huerta, who made her Broadway debut in the best possible way, reacted by making direct mention of her roots as soon as she learned of her nomination.

"Still in shock… My heart is bursting! Five years ago, I jumped into this project with all my love, not knowing it would lead me here. To be nominated for Best Original Score [at The Tony Awards] …I don’t have the words, only deep gratitude. To every woman whose voice lives in this music, to my collaborators, to my family, to our community: this is for us. ... ¡Mexico presente familia!" wrote the composer on social media.

Another of the Hispanic representatives opting for one of the awards is Justina Machado. Despite being born in Chicago, the artist is the daughter of Puerto Rican parents. She could be named Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her work in "Real Women Have Curves: The Musical," the same production as Huerta.

"I am beyond honored. Thank you to the whole creative team for trusting me with this role. This is a dream come true. I love this musical and what it means to us," Machado said, concluding her statement with a "pa'lante mi gente" in Spanish.

Natalie Venetia Belcon ("Buena Vista Social Club"), Julia Knitel ("Dead Outlaw"), Gracie Lawrence ("Just in Time) and Joy Woods ("Gypsy") are her rivals.

"Buena Vista Social Club," based on the story of Cuban musicians, is nominated for Best Musical, a category in which it competes against other works such as "Dead Outlaw," "Death Becomes Her," "Maybe Happy Ending" and "Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical."