The 2025 Tony Awards dazzled at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Sunday night, honoring a season that critics have called one of Broadway’s most daring and emotionally resonant in years. With Cynthia Erivo hosting and a star-studded list of presenters, the ceremony delivered emotional moments, spectacular performances, and well-deserved recognition for fresh talent and iconic veterans alike.
Nicole Scherzinger Stuns with Sunset Boulevard Win
In one of the night’s most talked-about victories, Nicole Scherzinger took home Best Actress in a Musical for her powerful portrayal of Norma Desmond in Jamie Lloyd’s minimalist reboot of Sunset Boulevard.
Scherzinger, who previously won an Olivier Award for the same role in the West End, gave an emotional acceptance speech that reflected on her journey from Pussycat Dolls pop stardom to Broadway acclaim.
“Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t belong, but you all have made me feel like I belong and I have come home, at last,” she said, holding back tears.
She thanked director Jamie Lloyd for “seeing in me what no one else did,” and called her win a reminder that “love always wins.” Later in the night, she brought the house down with a performance of As If We Never Said Goodbye, introduced by Glenn Close, who famously played Desmond in 1995.
Sarah Snook Dominates with Dorian Gray Masterclass
Succession star Sarah Snook won Best Actress in a Play for her mesmerizing performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray, in which she portrayed all 26 characters in the one-woman adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel.
“This means so much for a little Australian girl to be here on Broadway,” she said, acknowledging her backstage crew and creative team for making the feat possible.
Other Major Wins: Maybe Happy Ending, Purpose Lead the Pack
The sci-fi tinged, bittersweet romance Maybe Happy Ending emerged as the Best Musical, with a total of six awards, including Best Actor in a Musical for Darren Criss, who praised the season’s diversity and gave a heartfelt tribute to his wife and family.
The powerful family drama Purpose, which also recently won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, took Best Play, solidifying its status as a critical darling.
Sunset Boulevard added to its haul with Best Musical Revival, while Eureka Day—a timely play about vaccine policies—was named Best Revival of a Play.
Cole Escola and Kara Young Shine in Plays
Cole Escola was awarded Best Actor in a Play for their bold performance in Oh Mary!, a wildly imaginative reimagining of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination from the perspective of Mary Todd Lincoln.
Kara Young won Best Supporting Actress in a Play for her moving role in Purpose, further cementing the show’s impact this season.
Tributes and Musical Moments
The ceremony also included emotional tributes. Erivo and Sara Bareilles performed Tomorrow from Annie to honor those in the theatre community who passed away, including legendary composer Charles Strouse. The original cast of Hamilton reunited to mark its 10th anniversary, receiving a standing ovation.
The Biggest Winners of the Night
- 6 Awards – Maybe Happy Ending
- 4 Awards – Buena Vista Social Club
- 3 Awards – Sunset Boulevard, Stranger Things: The First Shadow
- 2 Awards – Purpose, Oh Mary!, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Final Notes
With nearly 15 million theatergoers and close to $1.9 billion in Broadway box office revenue over the past year, the 2025 Tony Awards celebrated more than just individual excellence—it highlighted a theater season that embraced innovation, inclusion, and boundary-breaking creativity.
From Scherzinger’s career-defining triumph to Sarah Snook’s theatrical tour de force, this year’s Tonys proved that Broadway remains a powerful force of storytelling, transformation, and inspiration.
