2025 Tony Awards recap: Early victories for Maybe Happy Ending and Buena Vista Social Club.

The 78th Annual Tony Awards unfolded with an impressive demonstration of theatrical excellence, as prominent figures from the Broadway community gathered in droves on Sunday evening. The event showcased nearly thirty distinguished productions competing across 26 categories, underscoring a vibrant and competitive theatre landscape.

Leading the nominations this year were three productions—“Maybe Happy Ending,” “Death Becomes Her,” and “Buena Vista Social Club”—each garnering ten nominations, including the coveted Best Musical award. They were joined in this category by “Dead Outlaw” and the spy satire “Operation Mincemeat,” highlighting the diversity of genres and themes represented in contemporary theatre.

Other noteworthy contenders included Cole Escola’s “Oh, Mary!”, which received five nominations, securing a spot in the running for Best Play alongside esteemed works like “The Hills of California,” “English,” “Purpose,” and “John Proctor Is the Villain.”

The ceremony commenced with celebrated three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo taking on the role of host for the first time. Dressed in a striking red gown, she entertained the audience at Radio City Music Hall with her rendition of “Sometimes, all you need is a song.” Erivo’s own illustrious career includes a Tony Award win in 2016 for her performance in “The Color Purple.”

Among the night’s highlights was Emmy Award-winner Sarah Snook, who emerged victorious for her debut Broadway performance in the one-man show adapted from “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” joining a lineage of celebrated talents from the acclaimed series “Succession.”

The awards also marked a triumphant return for Broadway, celebrated in Erivo’s lighthearted jest about the ongoing success of productions amidst the departures of cast members from hit series. Winners included both “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” which excelled in technical categories, and “Buena Vista Social Club,” recognized for its excellence in Orchestration, Scenic Design, and Choreography.

“Maybe Happy Ending,” featuring Darren Criss, received accolades for Best Original Score and Best Book, further emphasizing the caliber of artistry present this year. Additionally, Harvey Fierstein was honored with a lifetime achievement award, a tribute to his enduring contributions to the theatre world.

The evening featured a spirited performance by the original cast of “Hamilton” in celebration of the musical’s 10th anniversary. This groundbreaking production has garnered a remarkable total of 11 Tony Awards, solidifying its place in Broadway history.

This year’s awards also saw the inclusion of several Hollywood A-listers in the nominations, including George Clooney for his debut performance in “Good Night, and Good Luck,” and Daniel Dae Kim, who became the first Asian actor nominated for Best Actor in a Play for his role in “Yellow Face.” Mia Farrow, Bob Odenkirk, and Sadie Sink were also among the nominees, reflecting the blending of film and theatre talent on the Great White Way.

As the spotlight shone brightly on Broadway, the evening exemplified a resounding celebration of artistry, diversity, and the enduring spirit of live performance. The 2025 Tony Awards reaffirm that the Broadway stage remains a vital cultural force, continuing to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.