The 78th Annual Tony Awards took place on June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall in New York, once again turning the Broadway stage into the center of global attention. Hosted with vibrant energy by Cynthia Erivo, the ceremony delivered a night full of surprises, record-breaking moments, and emotional highlights for theater lovers. In this article, we present a full review of the winners, key highlights, and the impact of this significant night.
Source: Playbill
Unprecedented Triumph for “Maybe Happy Ending”
The musical “Maybe Happy Ending” won six awards, including Best Musical of the Year, making it the most celebrated work of this edition. This heartfelt musical tells the story of Korean helper robots facing challenges of identity and memory. Arriving at the ceremony with the most nominations alongside “Buena Vista Social Club” and “Death Becomes Her,” it ultimately took home the most awards.
Main Winners and Historic Records at the 2025 Tony Awards
- Best Play: “Purpose” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, exploring the secrets of a politically influential Black American family. With this win, Jacobs-Jenkins became the first Black playwright to win the Tony two years in a row.
- Best Actress in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger for her role as Norma Desmond in the revival of “Sunset Blvd.,” adding to her Olivier Award win in London.
- Best Actor in a Musical: Darren Criss for his portrayal of a robot with a human heart in “Maybe Happy Ending.”
- Best Actress in a Play: Sarah Snook for playing 26 different roles in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
- Best Actor in a Play: Cole Escola, the first openly non-binary actor to win this award for “Oh, Mary!”
- Special Record: Kara Young, the first Black actor to win Best Featured Actress in a Play two years in a row.
Revival and Innovative Works
The revival of “Sunset Blvd.,” directed by Jamie Lloyd and starring Nicole Scherzinger, won Best Revival of a Musical. “Eureka Day” was named Best Revival of a Play, a sharp and witty work about vaccination and social consensus, previously staged in London and Off-Broadway.
Memorable Moments of the 2025 Tony Awards
This year’s ceremony featured live performances from nominees for Best Musical and Play, star appearances on the red carpet, and extensive media coverage, once again highlighting the significance and status of theater in contemporary American culture. Special awards were also given to influential figures such as Harvey Fierstein (Lifetime Achievement Award) and Celia Keenan-Bolger (Isabelle Stevenson Award), recognizing their impact on the art form.
Conclusion and Impact on Broadway’s Future
The 2025 Tony Awards not only introduced new and record-breaking winners but also demonstrated that Broadway theater remains vibrant, innovative, and influential. The success of works with social, technological, and identity-driven themes promises a bright future for the stage. Once again, the Tonys proved to be not just a celebration of the best, but a reflection of society’s cultural and artistic transformations.