"Maybe Happy Ending" is about the romance between two humanoid robots. Maybe Happy Ending writer Park Chun-hue, aka Hue Park (left), and composer Will Aronson, holding their Tony Awards. Getty Images
Broadway lit up brighter than ever at the 2025 Tony Awards, with surprises, history-making wins, and emotional moments that echoed long after the curtains fell. Leading the celebration were two standout productions — Maybe Happy Ending and Purpose — both walking away with major honors and changing the tone of this year’s show.
Maybe Happy Ending Charms Its Way to Six Wins
With Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen in the lead, Maybe Happy Ending told a heartfelt tale of two decommissioned androids navigating love, memory, and what it means to be human. This romantic sci-fi musical resonated deeply, clinching six Tony Awards — including Best New Musical, Best Score, and Best Book.
Criss not only starred but also co-produced the show, winning his first Tony. Though Shen wasn't nominated, Criss dedicated the moment to her.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Makes Tony and Pulitzer History
Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins had a triumphant year. His play Purpose, a family drama peeling back layers of racial tension and generational hypocrisy, won Best New Play.
Jacobs-Jenkins became the first Black playwright to win in this category since August Wilson in 1987. The win followed his Pulitzer Prize for the same play, making his impact on modern theatre undeniable.
Kara Young’s Back-to-Back Victory
Kara Young made Tony history as the first Black artist to win in two consecutive years. Her performance in Purpose earned her a well-deserved second trophy, cementing her legacy as a rising force in American theatre.
In her speech, she reminded viewers that theatre is sacred and unifying — a sentiment that echoed throughout the night.
Nicole Scherzinger Shines in Sunset Boulevard
Nicole Scherzinger stunned as a fallen star in the revival of Sunset Blvd., earning Best Lead Actress in a Musical. The show also won Best Musical Revival.
Scherzinger, best known from the Pussycat Dolls, moved audiences with her emotional speech about belonging and perseverance.
Sarah Snook and Cole Escola Win Big at Tony Awards
Sarah Snook dazzled in The Picture of Dorian Gray, playing 26 roles in one show, and won Best Actress in a Play.
Meanwhile, Cole Escola took home Best Actor in a Play for their outrageous take on Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh Mary!, beating Hollywood heavyweights like George Clooney and Daniel Dae Kim.
Cole Escola appears during a Broadway performance of ‘Oh Mary!’ in New York. AP Photo
Cole Escola at the 2025 Tony Awards. Getty Images
Celebrating Identity and Advocacy
From Jak Malone's powerful win in Operation Mincemeat to Francis Jue’s emotional tribute to Asian artists in Yellow Face, representation was a prevailing theme.
Jue wore a tuxedo gifted by a fellow Asian actor, underscoring the strong community that thrives within Broadway.
Cynthia Erivo’s Hosting Debut Sparkles
Cynthia Erivo opened the ceremony in a red gown and with a custom song that set the tone for the evening. She kept spirits high with charm, wit, and heartfelt tributes, even joking with Oprah mid-show.
Her message was clear: Broadway is back — and thriving.
Lifetime Honors and Musical Highlights
Harvey Fierstein received a Lifetime Achievement Tony, closing his speech with gratitude to the audiences who make theatre matter.
A nostalgic Hamilton medley featuring the original cast marked the show’s 10th anniversary, reminding everyone why Broadway continues to be a magical, unifying force.
From robot romance to historical milestones, this year’s Tony Awards proved that theatre not only entertains — it evolves, reflects, and inspires.
