The Tony Awards nominations were announced this morning, and as expected, the excitement was palpable among theater enthusiasts. Often dubbed the "theatre Super Bowl," the nominations day serves as a thrilling prelude to Broadway's biggest night, set for June 8 at Radio City Music Hall. This year’s nominations not only highlighted outstanding performances but also celebrated diversity and inclusion within the theater community.
This year's frontrunner is undoubtedly Buena Vista Social Club, which not only received multiple nominations but was also honored with a unique Special Tony Award recognizing its full band—a first in the history of the awards. This accolade positions Buena Vista Social Club as a strong contender for the coveted Best Musical award, with many anticipating it to take home several trophies when the winners are announced.
In a groundbreaking moment for representation in theater, Daniel Dae Kim has made history as the first Asian actor nominated for Best Performance By a Leading Actor in a Play. His nomination, alongside Sanaz Toossi—who became the first Iranian-American playwright nominated for Best Play for English—marks a significant milestone in the awards' history. Additionally, Tala Ashe and Marjan Neshat are making waves as the first Middle Eastern actors nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play.
This year’s nominations also included a mix of familiar faces and newcomers. Jonathan Groff, who won a Tony last year for Merrily We Roll Along, is back in the running for his performance in Just in Time. Similarly, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Kara Young, both of whom won Tonys last year, have received nominations again, indicating a strong showing from last year's winners.
Among the notable surprises, Floyd Collins received six nominations, including Best Revival, while Yellow Face, which aired regionally before finally making it to Broadway, garnered three nominations, including Best Revival and two acting nods for Kim and Francis Jue. The latter's performance in the original 2007 production of Yellow Face adds an interesting layer to this revival.
As the nominations were revealed, the buzz around the physical design of Stranger Things: The First Shadow was also noteworthy. While it did not secure a Best Play nomination, the production received nods in all physical design categories. Furthermore, it was awarded a Special Tony Award for its impressive illusions and technical effects, recognizing the effort that went into bringing the beloved Netflix series to life on stage.
In the Original Score category, this year's nominations lean heavily towards newcomers, with many first-time nominees making their Broadway debuts. The score for Dead Outlaw, co-written by David Yazbek, stands out as the only entry from a seasoned Tony winner among a field of fresh talent. This trend hints at a promising future for musical theater, showcasing the next generation of composers.
Friendly competition is a hallmark of the Tony Awards, and this year is no exception. Several categories feature multiple nominees from the same production, creating an internal battle among the cast. For instance, Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard both received nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for their roles in Death Becomes Her, adding an exciting dynamic to the competition.
Despite the excitement, there were notable omissions that left fans and critics alike scratching their heads. The absence of Christopher Sieber from the Best Featured Actor in a Musical category was particularly surprising, considering the buzz surrounding his performance. Similarly, the exclusion of Bernadette Peters from the Best Featured Actress in a Musical category raised eyebrows, showcasing the unpredictability of the nominations.
As the Tony Awards ceremony approaches, anticipation continues to build. The event will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, with Wicked film star and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo set to host the evening. The awards are produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions, highlighting the ongoing commitment to excellence within the Broadway community.
This year’s nominations reflect not only the talent and creativity present on Broadway but also a growing recognition of the diverse voices that contribute to the art form. As theater fans prepare for the ceremony, the excitement is palpable, reminding everyone why the Tony Awards are a celebrated highlight in the theatrical calendar.
The 78th Annual Tony Awards will take place on June 8, 2025, at 8 PM ET, celebrating the best in Broadway and honoring the artists who bring these incredible stories to life.
