2025 Tony Awards: A Landmark Night for Broadway and a Celebrated Win for Australia’s Sarah Snook
The 78th Annual Tony Awards took centre stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday, June 8, 2025, delivering a night of powerful performances, bold creativity, and historic wins.
Among the standout moments of the evening was the win by Australian actress Sarah Snook, who received the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for her extraordinary solo performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray. In a remarkable display of theatrical prowess, Snook played 26 characters in the adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel — a production that began in Sydney, moved to London’s West End, and earned widespread acclaim on Broadway.
Snook’s win marks a significant achievement for Australian theatre talent on the world stage and follows her recent Olivier Award win for the same role, solidifying her place among the most respected performers of her generation.
The night’s biggest winner was the new musical Maybe Happy Ending, which took home six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Actor in a Musical (Darren Criss), and awards for direction, score, and book. The show, which tells the touching story of two ageing robots rediscovering love, captivated audiences with its originality and emotional depth.
In other major categories:
Best Play was awarded to Purpose, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.
Nicole Scherzinger won Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, which also won Best Revival of a Musical.
Cole Escola won Best Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!, in a landmark moment as the first non-binary performer to win in the category.
Eureka Day won Best Revival of a Play.
Theatre legend Harvey Fierstein was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his decades of impact on Broadway and beyond.
Hosted by Cynthia Erivo, the ceremony was both stylish and heartfelt, featuring performances from all nominated musicals, a reunion by the original Hamilton cast, and tributes to late theatre icons. Erivo balanced warmth, humour, and gravitas as she guided the night with elegance and energy.
Fashion on the red carpet reflected individuality and theatrical flair:
Sarah Snook impressed in a modern, sculptural gown in jet black.
Nicole Scherzinger arrived in a bold red sequin dress, exuding confidence and drama.
Cynthia Erivo wore a striking structured ensemble in metallic tones.
Daniel Dae Kim stood out in a culturally inspired contemporary hanbok-style suit, while Audra McDonald chose a sophisticated ombré gown with flowing detail.
The 2025 Tony Awards reflected a broader evolution within Broadway — championing new voices, global perspectives, and inclusive storytelling. From the celebration of non-traditional productions to international talents like Snook making their mark, the night was a testament to the richness and diversity of the theatre community.
As Broadway continues to evolve and embrace innovation, this year’s Tony Awards underscored a renewed energy and relevance for live performance — one that is being shaped by daring new works and a more expansive vision of what theatre can be.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
