The 2026 Tony Awards: Full Winners List, Host, and Broadway’s Biggest Nights
The 79th Tony Awards, held June 8, 2026 at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, crowned Schmigadoon! as Broadway’s breakout musical of the season while paying tribute to milestone shows like The Book of Mormon and Chicago. Grammy-winning artist Pink hosted the ceremony, which expanded its format with a pre-show “Act One” revealing technical and creative category winners. Here’s the complete winners list, key moments, and what they mean for Broadway’s future.
Who Won the 2026 Tony Awards?
After a year of record-breaking attendance and creative risks, the Tonys celebrated productions that opened between April 28, 2025 and April 26, 2026. Liberation took Best Play, while Schmigadoon! led with three wins including Best Original Score (Cinco Paul). John Lithgow made history as the oldest actor to win a Tony for Lead Actor in a Play for his role in Giant.
| Category | Winner | Production |
|---|---|---|
| Best Play | Liberation | |
| Best Musical | Schmigadoon! | |
| Lead Actor in a Play | John Lithgow | Giant |
| Lead Actress in a Play | Laurie Metcalf | Death of a Salesman |
| Featured Actress in a Musical | Shoshana Bean | The Lost Boys |
| Best Direction of a Musical | Zhailon Levingston & Bill Rauch | Cats: The Jellicle Ball |
| Best Original Score | Cinco Paul | Schmigadoon! |
| Best Choreography | Omari Wiles & Arturo Lyons | Cats: The Jellicle Ball |
View the complete winners list on the official Tony Awards website.
Pink Hosts Tonys 2026: How the Ceremony Broke New Ground
For the first time, the Tony Awards introduced Act One, a pre-show broadcast revealing winners in technical categories like scenic design and choreography. This format allowed the national broadcast to focus on performances and tributes. Pink, who won her first Grammy in 2023, brought her signature blend of wit and vulnerability to the stage, including a surprise duet with Schmigadoon! star Laura Benanti.
“This year’s Tonys proved Broadway isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving with bold new stories and timeless classics.”
Who Stole the Show? The Biggest Tony Winners
1. Schmigadoon!: The Musical That Defined 2025-2026
Schmigadoon! dominated the night with three wins: Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Choreography. Its blend of country-rock nostalgia and surreal storytelling resonated with audiences, making it the first new musical in a decade to win Best Musical on its first nomination cycle.
2. Death of a Salesman: A Masterclass in Revival
The Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf-led revival of Arthur Miller’s classic won three awards, including Best Revival of a Play. Director Joe Mantello’s direction was praised for its modern relevance, particularly in how it framed Willy Loman’s struggles against today’s gig economy.
3. Cats: The Jellicle Ball: A Stunning Comeback
After years of controversy, Cats returned to Broadway with a reimagined staging. Its win for Best Direction of a Musical marked the first time the show has won a Tony since its original 1983 production. The production’s elaborate choreography and updated book were key to its success.
Tonys 2026 Honored Broadway’s Icons
The ceremony included tributes to shows celebrating milestone anniversaries:
- The Book of Mormon (10 years)
- Chicago (25 years)
- A Chorus Line (45 years)
- Rent (30 years)
These tributes underscored Broadway’s ability to balance innovation with reverence for its history.
Special Honors: Who Else Won Tonys 2026?
The ceremony also recognized:
- Lifetime Achievement: Producer André Bishop, lighting designer Jules Fisher, and director James Lapine
- Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award: Music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell
- Regional Theatre Tony: American Players Theatre (Wisconsin)
- Tony Honors for Excellence: Production manager Jake Bell, designer Kenn Lubin, and the 1/52 Project
Why This Year’s Tonys Matter for Broadway’s Future
This year’s awards reflect several key trends:
- Revivals Dominate: 6 of the 10 Best Play/Musical nominees were revivals, suggesting audiences are seeking familiar stories with modern twists.
- Diversity in Direction: Winners like Zhailon Levingston (Cats) and Christopher Gattelli (Schmigadoon!) highlight Broadway’s growing commitment to inclusive creative teams.
- Nostalgia Meets Innovation: Shows like Schmigadoon! and Ragtime prove that audiences crave both new voices and reinterpreted classics.
As Broadway prepares for its next season, these wins signal a focus on both artistic risk and commercial appeal—a delicate balance that will define the industry’s trajectory.
FAQ: Your Questions About the 2026 Tony Awards
Who hosted the 2026 Tony Awards?
Grammy-winning artist Pink hosted the ceremony, marking her first time hosting the Tonys.
Where were the 2026 Tony Awards held?
The awards returned to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, where they were last held in 2019.
How many teams won Tonys this year?
48 productions were eligible for the 2026 Tonys, the largest field in history.
What was the biggest surprise winner?
Cats: The Jellicle Ball’s win for Best Direction of a Musical was seen as a major upset, given the show’s controversial past.
The Next Chapter for Broadway
As the 2026 Tony Awards close, Broadway’s spotlight shifts to the 2026-2027 season, which promises to build on this year’s successes. With record attendance and innovative productions leading the way, the industry appears poised for another year of artistic achievement—and perhaps another Schmigadoon!-level phenomenon.
For now, the Tonys have delivered a night of celebration, controversy, and confirmation that Broadway remains the world’s premier stage for storytelling.