The 78th Annual Tony Awards lit up New York City on Sunday night, celebrating a year of groundbreaking performances, heartfelt stories, and overdue recognition. Hosted by Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, the show delivered both emotional speeches and jaw-dropping performances, making it a night to remember for Broadway fans and theater newcomers alike.
One of the most talked-about wins of the night was Sarah Snook’s Best Actress in a Play award for her solo performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Best known for her role in Succession, Snook dazzled in her Broadway debut by playing multiple characters on stage, and the Tony was a well-deserved recognition of that tour-de-force performance.
In a stunning moment of crossover brilliance, Nicole Scherzinger snagged the award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. The show also won Best Revival of a Musical, marking a major moment for the classic and for Scherzinger, who reminded audiences that pop stars can truly command the Broadway stage.
Comedian and writer Cole Escola made Tony history by becoming the first openly non-binary actor to win Best Actor in a Play. Their role in Oh, Mary!, a satirical take on Mary Todd Lincoln, was bold, quirky, and deeply affecting—and voters clearly took notice. The play also earned Best Direction of a Play for Sam Pinkleton.
Pulitzer Prize winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins added another major honour to his resume with Purpose taking home Best Play. Known for pushing boundaries, Jacobs-Jenkins’ sharp storytelling made Purpose a standout in a packed field, and the Tony win cements its place in Broadway history.
Kara Young made waves as she picked up Best Featured Actress in a Play for Purpose, becoming the first Black performer to win acting Tonys in back-to-back years. Her unmatched consistency on stage has made her one of the most respected talents in the industry.
Francis Jue earned Best Featured Actor in a Play for Yellow Face, shining in a role that resonated deeply with audiences.
Jak Malone grabbed Best Featured Actor in a Musical for the offbeat hit Operation Mincemeat, adding comic flair to the show’s success.
Natalie Venetia Belcon won Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Buena Vista Social Club, which also swept many of the night’s design categories.
Legendary playwright and performer Harvey Fierstein received a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his decades of immaculate body of work. In his speech, he dedicated the award “to the people in the dark,” a heartfelt nod to the audiences and creatives who’ve supported live theatre through thick and thin.
Best Musical – Maybe Happy Ending
Best Play – Purpose
Best Revival of a Musical – Sunset Blvd.
Best Revival of a Play – Eureka Day
Best Actress in a Musical – Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Blvd.)
Best Actor in a Musical – Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending)
Best Actress in a Play – Sarah Snook (The Picture of Dorian Gray)
Best Actor in a Play – Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!)
Best Featured Actress in a Play – Kara Young (Purpose)
Best Featured Actor in a Play – Francis Jue (Yellow Face)
Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Natalie Venetia Belcon (Buena Vista Social Club)
Best Featured Actor in a Musical – Jak Malone (Operation Mincemeat)
Best Direction of a Musical – Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending)
Best Direction of a Play – Sam Pinkleton (Oh, Mary!)
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