2025 Tony Awards: A Night of Historic Achievements and Diverse Productions

The 78th Annual Tony Awards are set to take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET and streamed on Paramount+. Hosting the event for the first time is Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winner Cynthia Erivo.

This year's nominations, announced on May 1, 2025, highlight a diverse array of productions from the 2024–2025 Broadway season. Leading the pack with ten nominations each are the musicals "Buena Vista Social Club," "Death Becomes Her," and "Maybe Happy Ending." Notable acting nominees include George Clooney for his Broadway debut in "Good Night, and Good Luck," Audra McDonald for "Gypsy," and Sarah Snook for "The Picture of Dorian Gray."

"Buena Vista Social Club" brings the story of the iconic Cuban music group to the stage, celebrating their rich musical heritage. "Death Becomes Her," adapted from the dark comedy film, explores themes of vanity and immortality. "Maybe Happy Ending" is set in a futuristic Seoul, telling the story of outdated robots discovering human emotions.

Audra McDonald's portrayal of Mama Rose in "Gypsy" marks the first time a Black actor has played this iconic role on Broadway. If she wins, McDonald will extend her record as the most awarded actor in Tony history with seven wins. Kara Young could become the first Black actor to win consecutive acting Tonys, highlighting the increasing recognition of diverse talent on Broadway. Daniel Dae Kim and Marjan Neshat's nominations reflect Broadway's ongoing efforts toward cultural inclusivity and representation.

Cynthia Erivo, the evening's host, is a distinguished performer with a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award, and three Academy Award nominations. She gained prominence for her role as Celie in "The Color Purple" on Broadway and recently starred as Elphaba in the film adaptation of "Wicked," receiving critical acclaim. Erivo's hosting marks her first time leading the Tony Awards, bringing her multifaceted talents to the forefront of the ceremony.

The return to Radio City Music Hall, a venue with a 6,000-seat capacity and a longstanding association with the Tony Awards, signifies a return to tradition after recent ceremonies were held at various locations.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers can stream live via their local CBS affiliate, while Paramount+ Essential subscribers will have on-demand access the day after the broadcast.

The 2025 Tony Awards reflect Broadway's ongoing evolution, with nominations and performances underscoring a commitment to diverse storytelling and representation. Potential historic wins for actors like Audra McDonald and Kara Young highlight the progress toward inclusivity in theater. Broadway's resurgence post-pandemic is evident, with the 2024–2025 season grossing a record $1.9 billion, indicating a robust recovery and renewed public interest in live theater.

The 78th Tony Awards are set to be a landmark event, celebrating both the rich traditions and the dynamic evolution of Broadway. With a blend of historic achievements, diverse narratives, and a return to a cherished venue, the ceremony promises to be a memorable night for theater enthusiasts worldwide.