Tony Awards 2025: A Night of Surprises and Showstoppers

Broadway's Biggest Night: A Recap of the 78th Annual Tony Awards

Okay, honestly, the 78th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall were something else. Hosted by the incredibly talented Cynthia Erivo (who, by the way, opened the show with a killer original number about, well, singing!), the night was a whirlwind of dazzling performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and a few unexpected wins and losses.

A Few Standout Moments

I mean, where do I even begin? There was Nicole Scherzinger absolutely slaying it in Sunset Boulevard, earning her a well-deserved Best Leading Actress in a Musical award. And Jonathan Groff’s performance from Just in Time? Let's just say he took audience participation to a whole new level when he "borrowed" Keanu Reeves for a bit of an impromptu duet. It was hilarious!

• The Hamilton Reunion: The original cast of Hamilton reunited for a tenth-anniversary performance that sent chills down my spine. Pure magic.
• Sarah Snook's Win: Succession's Sarah Snook snagged Best Leading Actress in a Play for her performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray, delivering a beautifully emotional acceptance speech.
• Kara Young Makes History: Kara Young became the first Black actor to win two consecutive Tony Awards, this time for her role in Purpose. A truly monumental moment.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were some noticeable sound issues throughout the telecast, which honestly frustrated a lot of viewers at home. Several people on X were complaining about it throughout the night.

The Big Winners (and Some Notable Snubs)

Maybe Happy Ending was the clear frontrunner in the musical categories, taking home Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical. Darren Criss also won Best Actor in a Leading Role for his work in the show. His heartfelt acceptance speech mentioning his wife and children was definitely a highlight.

• Best Play: Purpose pulled off a surprise win, beating out strong contenders like Oh, Mary! and John Proctor Is the Villain.
• Best Revival of a Musical: Sunset Boulevard took the win, showcasing a stellar performance by Nicole Scherzinger.
• Best Actor in a Play: Cole Escola won for his performance in Oh, Mary!, beating out George Clooney (who, despite being praised by the host, went home empty-handed).

Meanwhile, there were some surprising shutouts for shows with multiple nominations. Audra McDonald, in the running for her eleventh Tony nomination (yes, ELEVENTH!), didn’t take home Best Actress in a Musical, which was a bit of a shock to a lot of people I talked to. Similarly, Gypsy, Dead Outlaw, and John Proctor Is the Villain all had several nominations but walked away with nothing.

A Night to Remember (Despite a Few Technical Glitches)

Despite some sound issues, the 78th Tony Awards showcased the incredible talent and artistry of Broadway. From the moving performances to the heartfelt acceptance speeches, it was a night that celebrated the enduring power of theatre. Honestly, even the technical hiccups couldn’t entirely dim the sparkle of the evening. If you missed it, definitely check out clips online! You won’t regret it.

What were your favorite moments from the Tony Awards?