Theater is the art of looking at ourselves. And truly, if ever there was a night we peered into the soul of Broadway and saw it shimmering in rhinestones, jazz hands, and overdue monologues, it’s Tony night. This year’s 78th Annual Tony Awards, held on Sunday, June 8, at Radio City Music Hall, was a celebratory combustion of talent, diversity, and straight-up Broadway bravado.
If you missed the Broadway buffet, so rich it could give the Met Gala indigestion. This was a perfectly choreographed celebration of talent, trailblazing, and tenacity, hosted by none other than Cynthia Erivo, who didn’t just host; she owned the night.
The nominations dropped on May 1, 2025, and three big-league contenders hit the ground running with 10 nods each — Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending were clearly the cats that got the cream. So, ready for the standing ovation-worthy breakdown?
Best Musical: Maybe Happy Ending
In a season where talent poured in like soda at a summer picnic, Maybe Happy Ending waltzed off with six Tony Awards. Who knew a tale about two outdated helper bots looking for love and a sense of meaning would tug so hard at Broadway’s collective heartstrings? But it did and then some. Darren Criss, playing the lovesick android with more soul than a jukebox ballad, was the cherry on top, nabbing Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.
The show also cleaned house with wins for Best Book, Original Score, Scenic Design, and Direction. Safe to say, Maybe Happy Ending left the whole ink pot spilled.
Best Actress in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger’s transition from pop sensation to Broadway star reached its pinnacle with her Tony win for Best Actress in a Musical. Playing Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd., she brought the character to life with powerful vocals and a performance full of heart and grit. Critics and audiences couldn’t take their eyes off her; she really owned the stage and showed that she’s no one-hit wonder.
Simply put, Scherzinger, who has a net worth of $14 million, stole the show and then some.
Best Actor in a Musical: Darren Criss
Darren Criss is officially a Tony Award winner! The multi-talented actor and musician took home the coveted Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 78th Annual Tony Awards on Sunday night, winning for his emotional and innovative performance in the original musical Maybe Happy Ending.
This marks his first Tony win and a major milestone in his already celebrated career.
Best Revival of a Musical: Sunset Blvd.
The revival of Sunset Blvd. was met with critical acclaim, earning it the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. The production’s modern sensibilities combined with classic elements breathed new life into the timeless story. Nicole Scherzinger’s commanding performance as Norma Desmond was a standout, earning her the Best Actress in a Musical award and reaffirming the show’s place in Broadway’s pantheon.
Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Natalie Venetia Belcon
Natalie Venetia Belcon’s performance in Buena Vista Social Club earned her the Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She brought layers and heart to her role, proving once again just how versatile and talented she is.
Best Play: Purpose
Purpose, penned by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, enchanted audiences with its poignant storytelling and compelling characters. With characters so layered you’d need a literary shovel and themes of identity, ambition, and societal pressure that cut sharper than a tailor’s needle, it was no wonder it walked away with the Tony for Best Play.
The cherry on this already rich theatrical sundae? Kara Young. She stepped into her role, lit it on fire (figuratively, relax), and snagged her second Tony in a row.
Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Jak Malone
Jak Malone really brought his A-game in Operation Mincemeat, snagging the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. His performance was filled with fresh energy and charm, winning over both critics and the crowd alike. Definitely a role that made him shine bright on that stage!
Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Maybe Happy Ending
The scenic design of Maybe Happy Ending played a pivotal role in immersing audiences in its futuristic world. With clever set pieces and smart design touches, it pulled audiences straight into the musical’s futuristic vibe. Winning the Tony for Best Scenic Design of a Musical was no surprise; it proved that in theater, a picture is truly worth a thousand words.
Best Original Score: Maybe Happy Ending
The original score of Maybe Happy Ending complemented its narrative beautifully, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Its melodies wrapped around the emotions on stage, making every moment hit harder. It’s no wonder it snagged the Tony for Best Original Score, proving that great music can turn a good story into an unforgettable experience.
Best Book of a Musical: Maybe Happy Ending
The book Maybe Happy Ending skillfully blended humor and heart, creating a compelling narrative that touched our hearts. The Tony win for Best Book of a Musical reflects the strength of its storytelling and character development.
Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Sunset Blvd.
The lighting design in Sunset Blvd. sets the whole mood. With clever lighting tricks and a keen eye for detail, it brought the story to life and pulled the audience deeper into the drama. No surprise it took home the Tony for Best Lighting Design of a Musical; lighting really stole the spotlight this time!
Best Sound Design of a Musical: Buena Vista Social Club
The sound design of Buena Vista Social Club enriched the musical experience, with its vibrant and authentic soundscapes. The production’s attention to auditory detail earned it the Tony for Best Sound Design of a Musical.
Best Choreography: Buena Vista Social Club
The choreography in Buena Vista Social Club was a perfect blend of old-school charm and new-school swagger. Those dance moves didn’t just move feet; they moved hearts and had the crowd eating out of their hands. That’s why it took home the Tony for Best Choreography!
Best Costume Design of a Musical: Sunset Blvd.
The costume design of Sunset Blvd. was a visual feast, with each outfit meticulously created to reflect the characters’ personalities and the show’s era. The attention to detail in the costumes contributed to the production’s authenticity, earning it the Tony for Best Costume Design of a Musical.
Best Actor Performance in a Play: Cole Escola
Cole Escola accepting their Tony was like watching a flamingo win a chess match, delightfully unexpected and absurdly right. Oh, Mary! was campy, blasphemous, bold, and beautifully bent.
Also, major kudos to Sam Pinkleton for winning Best Direction of a Play. Managing to direct that beautiful chaos is akin to herding caffeinated ferrets. Somehow, it worked.
Best Actress Performance in a Play: Sarah Snook
Sarah Snook is definitely a shapeshifting sorceress. Her performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray was so good that we briefly forgot how to breathe. Playing 26 roles in one show? That’s actually theatrical sorcery with a dash of cardiovascular risk.
She walked off with Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play like it was her birthright, and frankly, it is.
Best Direction of a Play: Sam Pinkleton
Sam Pinkleton really shook things up with his direction of Oh, Mary!, bringing new life and spark to the story. No surprise he walked away with the Tony for Best Direction of a Play. Now that’s what we call hitting the bullseye!
Best Featured Actress in a Play: Kara Young
As earlier mentioned, Kara Young’s portrayal in Purpose earned her the Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Play. When it comes to adding that special something to a production, she’s definitely in a league of her own.
Best Featured Actor in a Play: Francis Jue
Francis Jue’s performance in Yellow Face garnered him the Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Play. His performance was packed with depth and genuine emotion, earning him well-deserved praise from critics and audiences alike.
Best Scenic Design of a Play: Stranger Things: The First Shadow
The scenic design of Stranger Things: The First Shadow was a visual spectacle, capturing the essence of the show’s world. The intricate and immersive set design earned the production the Tony for Best Scenic Design of a Play.
Best Sound Design of a Play: Stranger Things: The First Shadow
The sound design of Stranger Things: The First Shadow enhanced the eerie atmosphere of the play, with its meticulous attention to auditory detail. The production’s sound design earned it the Tony for Best Sound Design of a Play.
Best Lighting Design of a Play: Stranger Things: The First Shadow
The lighting design of Stranger Things: The First Shadow played a pivotal role in creating the play’s suspenseful ambiance. The strategic use of lighting techniques earned the production the Tony for Best Lighting Design of a Play.
Best Revival of a Play: Eureka Day
The revival of Eureka Day breathed fresh air into the stage, tackling timely themes with sharp wit and strong performances. It hit the mark so well that it walked away with the Tony for Best Revival of a Play… proof that sometimes, a second act is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Best Orchestrations: Buena Vista Social Club
The orchestrations of Buena Vista Social Club were a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The rich and vibrant arrangements earned the production the Tony for Best Orchestrations.
Best Direction of a Musical: Michael Arden
Michael Arden’s direction of Maybe Happy Ending was instrumental in bringing the musical’s unique vision to life. His innovative approach and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the production resonated with audiences. His Tony win for Best Direction of a Musical is a well-deserved recognition of his artistic vision and leadership.
Best Costume Design of a Play: The Picture of Dorian Gray
The costume design in The Picture of Dorian Gray was more than just fabric and thread; it was a vivid portrait of the characters’ inner changes. Each outfit told a story, making the Tony for Best Costume Design of a Play a spot-on nod to its creative brilliance.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
