The 78th Tony Awards, held on June 8, 2025, at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall, celebrated a vibrant Broadway season, spotlighting groundbreaking musicals and standout performances. Hosted by Cynthia Erivo, the Tony-winning and three-time Oscar-nominated star of “Wicked,” the ceremony honored both seasoned artists and newcomers, with “Maybe Happy Ending” emerging as a major winner. Broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ with Showtime, the event drew global attention, featuring Hollywood heavyweights like George Clooney and Sarah Snook alongside theater veterans like Audra McDonald. The night, which included a pre-ceremony on Pluto TV, showcased the diversity and creativity of the 2024-2025 season, cementing Broadway’s cultural significance.
The 2024-2025 Broadway season was among the most competitive in recent history, with 42 eligible productions, up from 37 the previous year. Musicals like “Maybe Happy Ending,” “Buena Vista Social Club,” and “Death Becomes Her” led nominations with 10 each, while plays such as “John Proctor Is the Villain” and “The Hills of California” earned seven apiece. The influx of Hollywood stars, including Mia Farrow and Bob Odenkirk, boosted the event’s visibility, while established theater artists continued to push creative boundaries.
- Key highlights of the night:
- “Maybe Happy Ending” won best musical, captivating audiences with its tale of robots in love.
- Cynthia Erivo’s hosting blended charisma and emotional depth, bridging theater and film.
- The pre-ceremony, hosted by Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry, energized technical awards.
- Live performances from nominees like “Sunset Boulevard” and “Buena Vista Social Club” electrified the crowd.
Broadway’s resilience shone through in 2025, with box office receipts surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The ceremony reflected this vitality, celebrating not only artistic excellence but also the theater’s ability to innovate and attract diverse audiences.
Musicals that stole the show
The best musical category was fiercely contested, with “Maybe Happy Ending” taking the top prize. This Seoul-set story of two robots seeking connection won over audiences with its heartfelt narrative and evocative score. Other contenders, including “Buena Vista Social Club,” inspired by Cuban musicians, and “Death Becomes Her,” a campy adaptation of the 1992 film, also made strong impressions.
“Buena Vista Social Club” earned awards for best sound design and orchestrations, showcasing its musical richness. “Death Becomes Her” was recognized for its dazzling costume design, blending glamour and humor. Though “Dead Outlaw” and “Operation Mincemeat” didn’t win the main award, their unique blends of historical storytelling and wit left a mark.
The thematic diversity of the nominated musicals underscored Broadway’s global appeal, from the futuristic aesthetic of “Maybe Happy Ending” to the nostalgic rhythms of “Buena Vista Social Club.”
Plays that left a lasting mark
In the best play category, “Oh, Mary!” by Cole Escola stood out, winning for its irreverent, comedic take on American history. The play, blending absurd humor with social commentary, also earned Escola a best actor nomination. Other nominees, including “John Proctor Is the Villain” and “The Hills of California,” were praised for their contemporary narratives and stellar direction.
Directed by Sam Mendes, “The Hills of California” captivated with its emotional depth, while “English” resonated with its exploration of identity and language. “Purpose” also shone, with powerful performances by Jon Michael Hill and LaTanya Richardson Jackson, both nominated for acting awards.
- Best play nominees:
- “Oh, Mary!”: A sharp, satirical take on historical figures.
- “English”: A moving story of immigration and linguistic barriers.
- “The Hills of California”: A family drama with Mendes’ masterful direction.
- “John Proctor Is the Villain”: A feminist reimagining of “The Crucible.”
- “Purpose”: A gripping exploration of faith and personal conflict.
The strength of these plays highlighted theater’s role as a platform for tackling social and historical issues, with directors and casts delivering unforgettable performances.
Hollywood stars on Broadway
The 2024-2025 season saw an influx of cinema icons gracing Broadway stages, many earning their first Tony nominations. George Clooney, nominated for “Good Night, and Good Luck,” brought gravitas as Edward R. Murrow, while Sarah Snook, known for “Succession,” impressed in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Mia Farrow, in “The Roommate,” and Bob Odenkirk, in “Glengarry Glen Ross,” also earned nods for their stage debuts.
Nicole Scherzinger, formerly of the Pussycat Dolls, was a standout in the best actress in a musical category for her role as Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard.” Despite fierce competition from Audra McDonald in “Gypsy,” Scherzinger’s emotional depth won widespread acclaim.
These stars bridged the gap between film and theater, drawing new audiences to Broadway while complementing the work of seasoned stage performers.
Performances that dazzled
Acting categories showcased the season’s depth and diversity. For best actress in a play, Sadie Sink, in “John Proctor Is the Villain,” and Laura Donnelly, in “The Hills of California,” delivered gripping performances. Among actors, Cole Escola shone in “Oh, Mary!,” while Daniel Dae Kim impressed in “Yellow Face.”
In musicals, Jonathan Groff, nominated for “Just in Time,” and Darren Criss, for “Maybe Happy Ending,” brought charisma to their roles. Actresses Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard, both from “Death Becomes Her,” shared the spotlight with Jasmine Amy Rogers of “Boop!”.
- Awarded performances:
- Best actress in a musical: A blend of emotional and technical brilliance.
- Best actor in a musical: A charismatic, nuanced performance.
- Best actress in a play: A role that captivated critics and audiences.
- Best actor in a play: A defining moment in the season.
The caliber of these performances underscored Broadway’s reputation for exceptional acting, with artists excelling in both singing and dramatic roles.
Revivals that reimagined classics
The best musical revival category was dominated by “Sunset Boulevard,” which won for its bold, modern staging under Jamie Lloyd’s direction. Using projections and a minimalist aesthetic, the production reimagined Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic. “Gypsy,” directed by George C. Wolfe, also stood out, with Audra McDonald delivering a powerhouse performance as Rose.
Among play revivals, “Yellow Face” and “Our Town” earned praise for their contemporary relevance. David Henry Hwang’s “Yellow Face” tackled race and identity, while “Our Town” offered a fresh take on Thornton Wilder’s timeless text.
These revivals demonstrated Broadway’s ability to keep classics vibrant, adapting them for today’s audiences while honoring their roots.
Technical wizards behind the scenes
Technical categories were highly competitive, with awards for sound design, costumes, lighting, and scenic design. “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” won best sound design for a play, while “Buena Vista Social Club” took the musical equivalent.
“Death Becomes Her” was celebrated for its extravagant costumes, and “Maybe Happy Ending” impressed with its sleek, functional scenic design. The lighting design of “Sunset Boulevard” enhanced its dramatic atmosphere, earning well-deserved recognition.
These unsung heroes of theater played a crucial role in creating immersive, visually stunning productions that elevated the audience experience.
A record-breaking season
The 2024-2025 Broadway season wasn’t just artistically rich—it was a commercial triumph. According to the Broadway League, box office receipts reached $1.89 billion, surpassing the previous record of $1.82 billion from 2018-2019. This growth reflected the industry’s recovery from pandemic-era challenges and its ability to attract diverse audiences.
Musicals like “Maybe Happy Ending” and plays like “Oh, Mary!” showcased Broadway’s versatility, balancing innovation with tradition. The season also saw greater diversity in casts and stories, mirroring broader cultural shifts in theater.
Special honors
Beyond competitive awards, the 2025 Tony Awards recognized outstanding contributions to theater. Harvey Fierstein received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as an actor, playwright, and arts advocate. Celia Keenan-Bolger was honored with the Isabelle Stevenson Award for her humanitarian efforts through theater.
The Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre went to PBS’s “Great Performances” series, producer Michael Price, the New 42 organization, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, recognizing their roles in preserving and promoting theater.
Showstopping performances
The ceremony featured live performances that captured the season’s spirit. “Sunset Boulevard” delivered a haunting rendition of its score, while “Buena Vista Social Club” brought vibrant Cuban rhythms to the stage. A reunion of the original “Hamilton” cast, marking the musical’s 10th anniversary, was a highlight, drawing thunderous applause.
Other performances, including “Just in Time” and “Real Women Have Curves,” showcased Broadway’s musical diversity, blending jazz, pop, and Latin influences. Each act reinforced the Tony Awards’ role as a showcase for theatrical talent.
A milestone for Broadway
The 78th Tony Awards solidified 2025 as a year of renewal and excellence for Broadway. With winners spanning innovative newcomers and timeless classics, the ceremony celebrated theater’s resilience in a changing world. Cynthia Erivo’s hosting added glamour and authenticity, connecting generations of artists and audiences.
The night also underscored the power of diverse, creative storytelling, from the irreverent comedy of “Oh, Mary!” to the futuristic romance of “Maybe Happy Ending.” Watched globally via CBS and Paramount+, the event reaffirmed Broadway’s status as a cultural powerhouse, inspiring and entertaining millions.
