What to Expect at the Tony Awards 2025

The Tony Awards 2025 are just around the corner, set to dazzle audiences on Sunday, June 8, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This year’s ceremony, the 78th annual celebration of Broadway’s finest, promises a night of glitz, emotion, and unforgettable performances. Hosted by Cynthia Erivo, a Tony winner and star of the Wicked film adaptation, the event will honor the best plays and musicals from the 2024-2025 season, which ran from April 26, 2024, to April 27, 2025. With a star-studded lineup, record-breaking potential, and a reunion of Hamilton’s original cast, the Tony Awards 2025 are shaping up to be a historic night for theater lovers.

A Starry Night at the Tony Awards 2025

This year’s Broadway season was a vibrant comeback, boasting record-setting grosses and a diverse array of shows. The Tony Awards 2025 will showcase performances from every nominated musical, including heavyweights like Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, and Buena Vista Social Club, each tied with 10 nominations. A highlight will be the Hamilton reunion, featuring original cast members like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, and Jonathan Groff. Their 10th-anniversary performance is sure to ignite nostalgia and draw millions to the CBS broadcast and Paramount+ stream.

Celebrities are also a big draw. Sarah Snook, known for Succession, is a frontrunner for Best Actress in a Play for her one-woman show in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Other nominees include George Clooney for Good Night, and Good Luck, Audra McDonald for Gypsy, and Nicole Scherzinger for Sunset Boulevard. The presence of such talent underscores Broadway’s pull for Hollywood stars, making the Tony Awards 2025 a glittering intersection of stage and screen.

Predictions and Potential Record-Breakers

The race for the Tony Awards 2025 is fiercely competitive, with no clear frontrunner in several categories. Maybe Happy Ending, a South Korean musical about two robots on a road trip, could make history as the first Asia-premiered show to win Best Musical. Its critical acclaim and word-of-mouth buzz have made it a favorite. Meanwhile, Oh, Mary! is a strong contender for Best Play, its irreverent humor earning it a cult following. Sunset Boulevard and Gypsy are neck-and-neck for musical revival, with Audra McDonald’s Drama Desk win giving her an edge.

This year’s ceremony could see records broken. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is poised to dominate design categories, potentially sweeping with its innovative illusions. Harvey Fierstein will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his iconic contributions like Torch Song Trilogy. The Buena Vista Social Club band will also be honored with a special Tony for their musical excellence, adding to the night’s historic vibe.

How to Catch the Tony Awards 2025

Don’t miss a moment of the action. The Tony Awards 2025 air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ (SHOWTIME plan only) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. A pre-show, The Tony Awards: Act One, hosted by Darren Criss and Renée Elise Goldsberry, starts at 6:40 p.m. ET on Pluto TV, offering exclusive content and select award presentations. Broadway News will also provide live red carpet coverage from 3:30 p.m. ET, featuring interviews with nominees like Daniel Dae Kim and Kara Young.

For those craving more, CNN will broadcast the penultimate performance of Good Night, and Good Luck on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, streaming on Max. This five-time nominee, starring Clooney, marks a rare live TV airing of a Broadway play. Whether you’re a theater buff or a casual viewer, these options ensure you’re immersed in the Tony Awards 2025 excitement.

Honoring Resilience and Talent

The nominees this year embody resilience. Many, like Audra McDonald and Sarah Snook, have spoken about overcoming personal and professional hurdles to deliver standout performances. Phylicia Rashad’s direction of Purpose, nominated for Outstanding Broadway Play, showcases her ability to draw powerful performances from an ensemble cast. Meanwhile, Gary Edwin Robinson, a Howard University alum, will receive the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, highlighting the unsung heroes shaping theater’s future.

The Tony Awards 2025 also celebrate diversity. Shows like Yellow Face and John Proctor Is the Villain tackle complex themes, while Buena Vista Social Club brings Cuban rhythms to the stage. This season’s eclectic mix reflects Broadway’s evolving landscape, making the awards a mirror of cultural and artistic growth.

Why You Should Tune In

The Tony Awards 2025 aren’t just about trophies; they’re a love letter to theater’s power to inspire and unite. From Cynthia Erivo’s hosting debut to the Hamilton reunion, the night promises emotional highs and jaw-dropping moments. Whether you’re rooting for Maybe Happy Ending to make history or cheering for veterans like McDonald, the ceremony will capture why Broadway remains a cultural force.

Tune in on June 8 to witness the magic live. Grab your popcorn, stream on Paramount+, or watch on CBS. Share your predictions on social media and join the conversation about who’ll take home the gold. Don’t miss Broadway’s biggest night—be part of the story.