The 78th Annual Tony Awards, held on June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, celebrated the best of Broadway with a star-studded evening. Hosted by Cynthia Erivo, the ceremony was punctuated by dazzling performances and memorable acceptance speeches, with Sarah Snook, Nicole Scherzinger, and Natalie Venetia Belcon among the night's biggest winners.
Sarah Snook, known for her role in Succession, took home the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her work in The Picture of Dorian Gray. In this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel, Snook undertakes the ambitious task of playing all 26 roles. During her acceptance speech, Snook expressed her gratitude, stating, "This means so much for a little Australian girl to be here on Broadway." She also gave "an exceptional thank you to my husband, my soulmate. You are so brilliant holding the fort down and keeping our family together," while also thanking Lawson for looking after their daughter while she worked on the production. Snook's win marked her Broadway debut as a certified Tony-winning hit, beating out fellow nominees Laura Donnelly, Mia Farrow, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Sadie Sink.
Nicole Scherzinger, formerly of the Pussycat Dolls, won her first Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for her Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard. Scherzinger triumphed over Broadway legend Audra McDonald. In her emotional acceptance speech, Scherzinger said, "I just have to thank God for carrying me every step of the way. I give you all the glory. This is a dream come true." Scherzinger's portrayal of Norma Desmond, a has-been staging a comeback, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Patti LuPone described her performance as “courageous, audacious, mesmerizing, elegantly beautiful, and ultimately heartbreaking,”. Scherzinger stunned on the red carpet in a custom, sequined, strapless red Rodarte dress, complemented by over 50 carats of diamonds.
Natalie Venetia Belcon won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Buena Vista Social Club. Belcon expressed her excitement, saying, "This is such an incredible honor to come back this way, and to portray this woman in this band. I thank you all so much." Belcon brought the Tonys to Cuba with a sizzling performance of "Candela" with the cast of Buena Vista Social Club. During her acceptance speech, Belcon stated, "And the band, my obsession. Well, my second obsession. The first is Jason Momoa. Hi Jason, how you doing?"
Other notable moments from the 2025 Tony Awards included Maybe Happy Ending's big win for Best Musical, as well as Darren Criss winning lead actor honors for the same musical. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Purpose was honored as Best New Play. Cole Escola received thunderous applause when announced as the winner for Best Lead Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!. The ceremony also featured a dazzling opening number by host Cynthia Erivo, and a tribute to theater legends lost this year, featuring Sara Bareilles and Cynthia Erivo duetting on "Tomorrow" from Annie.
