On Thursday morning, May 1, 2025, the nominations for the 78th Annual Tony Awards were unveiled, showcasing a blend of Hollywood stars and Broadway veterans. Announced by actors Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce, the nominations highlight a particularly strong season for theater, with the awards ceremony set to take place on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in the hit musical Wicked.
This year, no single production dominated the nominations, a refreshing change that reflects the quality of the shows presented. Leading the pack with ten nominations each are Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending, all vying for the coveted title of Best Musical. Each of these productions has captivated audiences and critics alike, showcasing a variety of themes and styles.
The nominations also spotlight several first-time nominees from the film and television world, including George Clooney, Nicole Scherzinger, and Sarah Snook. Clooney garnered a nod for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for his portrayal of Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck, a production he co-wrote and directed. This adaptation of his acclaimed 2005 film earned a total of five nominations.
Nicole Scherzinger, famed for her role in the Pussycat Dolls, received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her mesmerizing performance as Norma Desmond in the revival of Sunset Blvd.. This production has also been recognized with six additional nominations, including Best Direction of a Musical for Jamie Lloyd.
Sarah Snook, known for her breakout role in the HBO series Succession, is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her role in The Picture of Dorian Gray, which has earned a total of six nominations, including Best Direction of a Play for Kip Williams.
Other notable nominees for Best Actress in a Play include Sadie Sink for John Proctor is the Villain and Mia Farrow for The Roommate. Farrow's return to Broadway marks her first stage role in a decade, making her nomination particularly poignant.
The Best Musical category is competitive this year, featuring not only the aforementioned productions but also Dead Outlaw and Operation Mincemeat. The latter has been described as a zany yet moving experience, likely to resonate with audiences looking for something unique.
In the Best Actor in a Musical category, Darren Criss and Jonathan Groff, both known for their roles on the television series Glee, are nominated for their performances in Maybe Happy Ending and Just in Time, respectively. They face competition from Andrew Durand for Dead Outlaw, Tom Francis for Sunset Blvd., James Monroe Iglehart for A Wonderful World, and Jeremy Jordan for Floyd Collins.
Among the actresses nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Musical are Megan Hilty for Death Becomes Her and Audra McDonald for Gypsy. Both performers have made significant contributions to the musical theater landscape, and their nominations reflect their enduring talent.
Additionally, the nominations for Best New Play include notable works such as English, The Hills of California, John Proctor is the Villain, Oh, Mary!, and Purpose. These plays have drawn attention for their innovative storytelling and powerful performances.
In the Featured categories, Bob Odenkirk, known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is nominated for his performance in Glengarry Glen Ross. His nomination adds to the star-studded lineup of this year’s awards.
Justina Machado, recognized for her work on television, is nominated for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, a new adaptation of the influential 2002 film.
The Tonys will be broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+ on June 8 at 8 p.m. As anticipation builds for the ceremony, theater enthusiasts are encouraged to experience the rich array of productions currently gracing Broadway, regardless of their nomination status.
This season has proven to be a remarkable one for Broadway, filled with diverse representation and outstanding performances that are sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences. With so much talent on display, the 2025 Tony Awards promise to be a night to remember.
