2025 Tony Award Nominations: The 2025 Tony Award nominations are here, highlighting a season full of star performances, innovative storytelling, and record-breaking moments. Hosted by Wicked star Cynthia Erivo on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in New York, the ceremony will celebrate a wide range of Broadway shows, from Cuban-inspired musicals to dark comedies. Leading the nominations with 10 each are Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending. Hollywood stars like Nicole Scherzinger, Sadie Sink, and George Clooney are also shining in top categories.
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2025 Tony Award Nominations Top Contenders
The 2025 Tony Award nominations showcase a highly competitive season for musicals. Three productions—Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending—each received 10 nominations, highlighting Broadway’s diverse range from historical drama to futuristic romance.
Buena Vista Social Club:
This lively adaptation of the Grammy-winning Cuban album and documentary brings 1990s Havana to life, mixing Spanish-language music with a story of artistic resilience. Nominated for Best Musical, the band received a Special Tony Award, marking the first time an ensemble has earned this honor.
Death Becomes Her:
Based on the cult 1992 film, this dark comedy follows two rivals (Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard) fighting for eternal youth. With nominations for Best Musical, acting, and choreography, it’s a true celebration of Broadway’s love for campy spectacles.
Maybe Happy Ending:
This heartfelt South Korean-inspired story about aging helper-bots in 21st-century Seoul earned praise for its unique score and direction. Darren Criss, nominated for Best Actor, described it as “a story about connection in the loneliest of times.”
Other musical contenders include Dead Outlaw (7 nominations), a gritty Western ballad, and Operation Mincemeat (4 nominations), a WWII spy drama.
Plays: Fresh Perspectives and Star Performances
While musicals dominate the nominations, plays like John Proctor Is the Villain and The Hills of California (both with 7 nominations) show the depth of Broadway’s storytelling.
John Proctor Is the Villain:
Kimberly Belflower’s feminist take on The Crucible, seen through a #MeToo lens, earned Sadie Sink (from Stranger Things) a Best Actress nomination. The play’s dramatic finale and sharp social commentary made a strong impact on voters.
The Hills of California:
Jez Butterworth’s family drama, directed by Sam Mendes, explores secrets and sisterhood in 1970s England. Laura Donnelly’s lead performance anchors the emotional heart of the story.
Purpose:
Pulitzer finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins examines political ambition and racism in this darkly comic play. Actors LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Jon Michael Hill earned nominations for their performances.
Celebrity Nominees: From Screen to Stage
The 2025 Tony Award nominations feature many Hollywood stars, highlighting Broadway’s broad appeal.
Nicole Scherzinger Makes History:
Nicole Scherzinger, known for The Pussycat Dolls and her West End run in Sunset Boulevard, earned her first Tony nomination for playing Norma Desmond. Her performance of “As If We Never Said Goodbye” has been praised as electrifying and makes her a top contender against Audra McDonald’s record-setting role in Gypsy.
Sadie Sink’s Broadway Breakthrough:
Stranger Things star Sadie Sink transitioned smoothly to the stage in John Proctor Is the Villain, earning a Best Actress nomination. Critics loved her “raw intensity” in portraying a teenager dealing with moral conflicts in a Southern high school.
George Clooney’s Tony Debut:
Oscar-winner George Clooney earned his first Tony nomination for Good Night, and Good Luck, a stage adaptation of his 2005 film. He plays journalist Edward R. Murrow in a timely exploration of media ethics.
Audra McDonald Sets a New Record:
With her 11th Tony nomination for Gypsy, Audra McDonald surpassed Julie Harris and Chita Rivera as the most-nominated performer in Tony history. A win would make her the most-awarded actor, with six wins.
Snubs and Surprises: Who Missed the Cut?
Though many were celebrated, some high-profile exclusions raised eyebrows:
Othello Shut Out:
Despite star power from Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal and box-office success, this production received no nominations, continuing Washington’s past snubs for Shakespearean roles.
Helen J. Shen Overlooked:
Co-starring with Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending, Shen’s “radiant” performance was overshadowed by veterans like Scherzinger and McDonald.
Surprise Nods:
James Monroe Iglehart (A Wonderful World) and Gracie Lawrence (Just in Time) received unexpected recognition for their transformative roles in lesser-known productions.
Special Honors and Technical Triumphs
The 2025 Tony Awards will also recognize non-competitive achievements:
Buena Vista Social Club Band:
Honored for their live performances, the 12-member ensemble celebrates Cuban musical heritage.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow:
This prequel’s illusions team (Jamie Harrison, Chris Fisher) will receive a Special Tony for their mind-bending stagecraft, including effects like telekinesis and demogorgon appearances.
How to Watch the 2025 Tony Awards
Mark your calendars for June 8, 2025:
- Time: 8:00 PM ET (live broadcast)
- Channel: CBS and Paramount+ (streaming)
- Pre-show: Tony Awards: Act One on Pluto TV
Host Cynthia Erivo promises “a night of joy, resilience, and unforgettable performances.”
Conclusion
The 2025 Tony Award nominations show Broadway is thriving, with fresh voices and experienced stars. From Nicole Scherzinger’s dazzling diva role to Sadie Sink’s powerful coming-of-age performance, this year’s nominees prove that theater continues to be a space for creativity and inclusivity. As the countdown to June 8 begins, it’s clear that Broadway is back—and better than ever.
