Tony Awards 2025: Broadway Stars Shine in Night of History-Making Wins
The 78th Annual Tony Awards lit up Radio City Music Hall on June 8, 2025, celebrating the very best in Broadway theatre. The ceremony, hosted by the talented Cynthia Erivo, brought energy, elegance, and emotion to a night that honored both fresh talent and seasoned legends.
Big Winners of the Night
The musical “Maybe Happy Ending” was the talk of the evening. This heartfelt story about two retired robots searching for love captured hearts and major awards. It took home Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Scenic Design, marking a massive moment for its creative team.
Darren Criss won Best Actor in a Musical, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. He spoke emotionally about the long road to Broadway and thanked his wife for her support.
Another major winner was Nicole Scherzinger, who received the Best Actress in a Musical award for her role in Sunset Boulevard. The show also picked up Best Revival of a Musical, making it one of the night’s most honored productions.
Powerful Performances and First-Time Wins
The ceremony was packed with jaw-dropping performances and emotional moments. One of the standout wins came from Cole Escola, who made history as the first non-binary performer to win Best Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!. The acceptance speech was met with cheers and a standing ovation.
Sarah Snook also earned praise, winning Best Actress in a Play for her solo role in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Her performance had been one of the season’s most talked-about, and the award solidified her place as one of the top talents on Broadway.
Celebrating Broadway’s Return
The energy of the night was all about Broadway being “officially back.” With theatres full and audiences returning in record numbers, this year’s awards felt like a celebration of resilience. Cynthia Erivo opened the show with a powerful musical number, setting the tone for an uplifting evening.
There was also a heartfelt tribute to legendary actor Harvey Fierstein, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The crowd cheered as clips from his career played and fellow stars shared messages of appreciation.
Behind-the-Scenes Magic Honored
While big performances take center stage, the Tonys also honored the creative teams who make Broadway magic happen. Stranger Things: The First Shadow earned recognition for its lighting and visual effects. Buena Vista Social Club impressed with choreography, and Death Becomes Her was praised for costume and stage design.
Kara Young won Best Supporting Actress in a Play, making history as the first Black actress to win in this category for two years in a row.
A Night to Remember
From heartfelt speeches to stunning performances, the Tony Awards 2025 reminded the world why Broadway matters. It’s more than entertainment—it’s a reflection of culture, creativity, and community.
With viewership climbing and box office numbers soaring, Broadway is not just surviving—it’s thriving. And with rising stars, fresh stories, and iconic revivals, theatre fans have a lot to look forward to.