Historical Wins at Tony Awards 2025 by Women & Underrepresented Artists

The 78th Tony Awards, held on June 8, 2025, at the illustrious Radio City Music Hall, marked a dazzling return to grandeur. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Cynthia Erivo, the ceremony showcased the crème de la crème of Broadway, celebrating an exceptionally rich theatrical season. Streaming on CBS, Paramount+, and Pluto TV, the event was watched by over 5 million viewers, marking a return to high public interest in live theater.

Record-Breaking Productions

“Maybe Happy Ending” Sweep

South Korean musical Maybe Happy Ending emerged as the night’s biggest victor with six wins, including:

• Best Musical

• Best Actor in a Musical (Darren Criss)

• Best Direction

• Best Book

• Best Original Score

• Best Scenic Design

Darren Criss’s emotional win as the first Asian-American male to receive Best Actor in a Musical made history, igniting pride and celebration in the AAPI theater community.

“Purpose” and Playhouse Triumph

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ searing drama Purpose captured Best Play, with the ever-impressive Kara Young clinching Best Featured Actress in a Play, becoming the first Black actor to win Tony acting awards in back-to-back years. Meanwhile, Sam Pinkleton’s quirky direction of Oh, Mary! earned him Best Direction of a Play, cementing it as a standout in the comedy revival landscape.

Revival Renaissance—“Sunset Blvd.” & “Eureka Day”

The revival category shone bright this year. Nicole Scherzinger’s fierce transformation into Norma Desmond earned her Best Actress in a Musical, elevating Sunset Blvd. to win Best Revival of a Musical. Similarly, the Berkeley-born satirical gem Eureka Day won Best Revival of a Play, highlighting regional productions gaining mainstream acclaim.

Trailblazing Acting Achievements

Nicole Scherzinger’s Crossover Feat

In a career-defining move, Scherzinger went from pop icon to Broadway legend. Her performance was hailed for its emotional depth and vocal power, outshining veterans and marking her first major theater award.

Darren Criss’s Milestone Moment

Not just a win for Criss, but a cultural victory for Asian-American representation in musical theater. His layered portrayal in Maybe Happy Ending combined comedy, melancholy, and musical finesse.

Sarah Snook’s Solo-Act Award

Australian actress Sarah Snook captivated audiences with a one-woman adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray, winning Best Actress in a Play. Her nuanced, character-shifting performance amazed critics, especially considering it was her Broadway debut.

Historic Firsts and Representation

Cole Escola’s Non-Binary Breakthrough

In one of the most heartening moments, Cole Escola won Best Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!, becoming the first openly non-binary performer to claim that title. Their win symbolized growing acceptance and evolution in theatrical gender roles.

Kara Young’s Back‑to‑Back Win

Already celebrated for her versatility, Kara Young’s consecutive wins place her among the most decorated Black actors in Tony history. She continues to redefine what leading and supporting roles can look like for Black women on Broadway.

Bay Area Talent on Broadway

The 2025 Tonys saw a notable presence from Bay Area natives:

• Darren Criss and Francis Jue (Best Featured Actor in Yellow Face)

• Productions like Eureka Day, originally developed in Berkeley, dominated the revival space

This surge signals the national importance of regional theater communities as breeding grounds for Broadway excellence.

Non-Competitive & Technical Honors

This year’s awards weren’t just about big names and performances:

• Harvey Fierstein received the Lifetime Achievement Tony

• Celia Keenan-Bolger was honored with the Isabelle Stevenson Award for her humanitarian work

• Special Tonys were awarded to musicians from Buena Vista Social Club and the technical teams of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, recognizing behind-the-scenes brilliance

Performances & Broadcast Highlights

The show kicked off with an electric medley by Cynthia Erivo, showcasing her Broadway and film roots. Nicole Scherzinger, Jonathan Groff, and Audra McDonald gave moving musical performances. The In Memoriam tribute, performed by Erivo and Sara Bareilles, was especially touching, earning acclaim for its simplicity and emotional resonance.

Minor sound glitches didn’t dampen the show’s impact, with social media ablaze over the precision of the choreography and costume design.

Audience, Ratings & Post-Show Buzz

Viewership for the 2025 Tony Awards climbed above 5.1 million, the highest since 2019, reflecting a revived interest in the theater arts. Post-show parties buzzed with laughter, reunions, and standout moments like Cole Escola’s emotional speech and Darren Criss’s impromptu ‘90s music medley, adding a warm human touch to the glitzy affair.

Cultural and Industry Impact

This year’s Tonys weren’t just about trophies—they symbolized progress, inclusion, and revival. From embracing gender diversity to uplifting Asian-American and Black performers, the awards sent a powerful message: Broadway is evolving.

78th Tony Awards Hosted by Cynthia Erivo

Women & Underrepresented Winners of Tony Awards 2025