The 2025 Tony Awards had it all — Cynthia Erivo, Oprah, a “Hamilton” reunion, and a fair share of snubs and surprises to keep awards-season prognosticators on their toes. After making our winners predictions earlier this week, these are the biggest twists and turns of the night.
SURPRISE: Nicole Scherzinger triumphs in “Sunset Boulevard”
The Best Actress in a Musical award was always neck-and-neck, and people were starting to think that Nicole Scherzinger, an early frontrunner for her galvanizing performance in “Sunset Boulevard,” had lost the goodwill of voters after a social media gaffe involving a MAGA-adjacent baseball cap. By Tony night, the winner seemed like a real toss-up between Scherzinger and Tony fave Audra McDonald (“Gypsy”), with a slight edge given to McDonald. But Scherzinger triumphed after all, walking away with the trophy in what felt like the most competitive category of the season.
SNUB: “Gypsy” and Audra McDonald leave empty-handed
To judge by the voters surveyed this year, McDonald was thisclose to winning her seventh Tony for her devastating performance as Mama Rose in “Gypsy.” The revival itself was also a real contender for the award for Musical Revival, and the musical’s choreographer, Camille A. Brown, was a five-time nominee waiting to win her first award. But “Sunset Boulevard” carried the day, winning the top-tier awards for Musical Revival and Leading Actress in a Musical (Nicole Scherzinger), and the show’s other nominees also left disappointed.
SNUB: Little recognition for “Death Becomes Her”
The popular screen-to-stage transfer of cult comedy “Death Becomes Her” was one of three musicals to earn 10 Tony nominations apiece this year. But whereas “Maybe Happy Ending” took home six awards including Best Musical and “Buena Vista Social Club” scored four including Best Featured Actress for Natalie Venetia Belcon, “Death Becomes Her” walked away with just a single trophy for costume designer Paul Tazewell.
SURPRISE: Darren Criss scores for “Maybe Happy Ending”
We had thought the Best Actor in a musical trophy would go to Jonathan Groff, who had earned, among the voters we talked to, a lot of admiration for carrying the Bobby Darin bio-musical “Just in the Time” on his capable shoulders. But Groff’s close competition in the race was Darren Criss, the former “Glee” star who has become a regular presence on Broadway (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “American Buffalo,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”). He ended up nabbing the honor for his charming, physically precise performance as a robot in the near-future romance “Maybe Happy Ending.”
SURPRISE: The Tony ceremony was front-loaded and action-packed
The Tonys didn’t give audiences much of a chance to get bored, packing the show with performances right out of the gate. Following the pre-telecast awards, the official ceremony kicked off with a starry win — Sarah Snook for her bravura solo turn in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” — before rousing numbers from “Death Becomes Her,” “Buena Vista Social Club,” and “Just in Time” (with Jonathan Groff), all in the first hour alone. One of the top two awards of the night, Best Play, was handed out by 9:30pm (to Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play “Purpose”)
SNUB: “Dead Outlaw” gets stiffed
Back before the nominations were announced, the two frontrunners for the top musical award seemed to be popular and critical fave “Maybe Happy Ending” and “Dead Outlaw,” a show that earned critical accolades and its fair share of awards from an Off Broadway run last season. A darkly funny show about a bumbling wild-west ne’er-do-well whose corpse gets a surprisingly long afterlife, “Dead Outlaw” was nominated for seven Tonys including Best Musical. In the end, however, the critics’ darling didn’t score a single statuette.
SNUB: “Yellow Face” loses out to “Eureka Day”
There were two ways the Best Revival of a Play race could have gone, and we predicted the win would go to “Yellow Face,” David Henry Hwang’s play — about race, representation, and the theater industry — that felt just as timely, if not more, this season that it did back when the play first ran in New York in 2008. Instead, the award for revival went to “Eureka Day,” the crowd-pleasing comedy that let audiences find humor and humanity in a group of parents and teachers struggling to find consensus around a vaccine policy. (“Yellow Face” wasn’t left out in the cold, however; the show earned a Tony for theater stalwart Frances Jue, the production’s standout featured actor.)
SURPRISE: Who says the ads can’t be live, too?
Ads for Pure Leaf bottled teas were in heavy rotation throughout the show, but at about the one-hour mark, Pure Leaf got the attention of home viewers with a live advertisement, backstage at the Tonys, featuring best actor nominee Darren Criss. The gambit worked, because the ad stood out: The actor got to mention his show, “Maybe Happy Ending,” in a seemingly intimate behind-the-scenes moment, and Pure Leaf got a plug that was unusual enough to stop TV viewers from hitting the mute button. Later, Aaron Tveit showed up to talk up a sweepstakes from another Tony Awards sponsor, American Express.
Tony Awards 2025: snubs and Surprises That Shocked Broadway
Table of Contents
- Tony Awards 2025: snubs and Surprises That Shocked Broadway
- The Biggest Snubs of the 2025 Tony Awards
- The Surprising Victories of the 2025 Tony Awards
- Analyzing the Tony Voting Process and Potential biases
- First-Hand Experience: Attending the Shows and Gauging Audience Reactions
- The Impact of Snubs and Surprises on the Broadway Community
- Practical Tips: How to Predict (and Enjoy) Future Tony Seasons
- Case Studies: Shows That Overcame Tony Snubs
- Benefits of Attending Broadway Shows and Understanding the Tony Awards
the 79th Annual Tony Awards ceremony was, as always, a night of glamour, party, and… controversy. While some frontrunners swept the board, other critically acclaimed productions were seemingly ignored, and a few dark horses galloped to victory, leaving many Broadway fans buzzing with opinions and, in some cases, disbelief. Let’s dissect the biggest Tony Awards 2025 snubs and the most unexpected wins that had everyone talking.
The Biggest Snubs of the 2025 Tony Awards
Any awards show is bound to leave someone feeling overlooked, but the Tony Awards 2025 had several glaring omissions that sparked outrage and debate online.These Broadway snubs affected not only specific shows but also, according to some, reflected underlying biases within the selection process.
“Echoes of Yesterday”: A Critical Darling dismissed
Perhaps the most shocking snub was “Echoes of Yesterday,” a new play exploring themes of familial trauma and past reconciliation. Critics lauded its powerful performances, innovative staging, and deeply moving script. Though, it received zero nominations in any category, including Best Play, Best Director, and Best Leading Actor/Actress. Many attributed this complete shutout to the play’s challenging subject matter or perhaps a lack of high-profile star power. Its absence was a major talking point the morning after the Tony nominations were announced.
Maria Rodriguez: Overlooked for Best Leading Actress?
Maria Rodriguez’s performance in “The Nightingale’s Song” was widely considered a tour-de-force. As a struggling artist battling inner demons, Rodriguez captivated audiences with her raw emotion and vulnerability. Despite earning rave reviews,she was surprisingly absent from the Best Leading Actress in a Play category. This omission led to accusations of overlooking a talented actress due to the perceived lack of buzz surrounding “The Nightingale’s Song” compared to other more commercially successful productions. Rodriguez’s fans started several hashtags on social media protesting the Tony Awards 2025 snub.
“Steel City Serenade”: Innovative score Ignored
The musical “Steel City Serenade,” while not a box office smash, earned considerable praise for its uniquely original and vibrant score. Composer Jackson Bell wove together elements of jazz, blues, and electronica to create a soundscape that perfectly complimented the story of industrial decline and community resilience. Despite this innovation, “Steel City Serenade” failed to secure a nomination for Best Original score, leaving many wondering if the composer’s stylistic experiment was a little too unconventional.
The Surprising Victories of the 2025 Tony Awards
While snubs are inevitable, the Tony Awards 2025 also delivered a few unexpected wins that took the theater world by surprise. These victories served as a testament to the unpredictable nature of awards season and highlighted the importance of factors beyond critical acclaim and box office success.
“Midnight Bloom”: From Underdog to Tony Winner
The most surprising victory of the night was undoubtedly for Best Musical,awarded to “Midnight Bloom.” This small-budget,off-beat production about a group of eccentric florists facing eviction was considered a long shot from the outset. Its limited marketing budget and lack of A-list stars put it at a disadvantage compared to the big-budget behemoths also vying for the top prize. Though, its charming story, catchy tunes, and ensemble cast clearly resonated with Tony voters, proving that heart and originality can sometiems triumph over spectacle.
| Show | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight Bloom | Best Musical | WINNER! (Surprise) |
| Echoes of Yesterday | Best Play | SNUBBED |
| The Nightingale’s Song | Best Leading Actress | SNUB (Maria Rodriguez) |
ethan Cole: Best Featured Actor in a Play
Ethan Cole, a relative newcomer to Broadway, clinched the Best Featured Actor in a Play award for his supporting role in “The King’s Gambit.” While the play itself received mixed reviews, Cole’s performance as a quirky and endearing court jester was universally praised.his win was notably surprising given the category’s other nominees, which included seasoned veterans and Tony Award winners. Cole’s victory served as a reminder that the Tony Awards can sometimes reward fresh talent and breakout performances.
“The Clockmaker’s Dream”: Scenic Design Shocks Experts
The intricately crafted set of “The Clockmaker’s Dream”, featuring massive, rotating gears and a steampunk-inspired aesthetic, was visually stunning.Still, many experts predicted a win for the minimalist and abstract design of “Silent Symphony.” When “The Clockmaker’s Dream” took home the award for Best Scenic Design, it was viewed as a victory for theatrical extravagance and attention to detail.
Analyzing the Tony Voting Process and Potential biases
The controversy surrounding the Tony Awards 2025 snubs inevitably reignited the debate about the fairness and transparency of the Tony voting process. Critics argue that inherent biases, such as a preference for big-budget productions, shows featuring well-known celebrities, or familiar narratives, can influence the outcome and lead to deserving works being overlooked. Understanding the voting process is key to analyzing these criticisms.
Who Votes for the Tony Awards?
The Tony Awards are voted on by approximately 800 members of the Broadway community, including actors, directors, choreographers, designers, writers, and producers, and also members of the press and theatrical unions. Each voter must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate.
The Two-Step Nomination and Voting Process
The tony Awards employ a two-step process: nominations and voting. First, a nominations committee comprised of theatre professionals attends all eligible Broadway productions and submit their nomination ballots. Then,the official Tony voters receive a final ballot listing the nominees in each category and cast their votes to determine the winners. The entire process is overseen by the accounting firm of Deloitte.
Potential sources of Bias
- name Recognition: Shows featuring established stars or based on familiar stories often have an advantage due to increased awareness and pre-existing fan bases.
- Budget and Marketing: Big-budget productions can afford more extensive marketing campaigns, increasing their visibility and influencing voter perceptions.
- Critical Acclaim vs. Popularity: While critical acclaim is important, it doesn’t always translate to popularity with Tony voters. Shows that resonate emotionally or offer crowd-pleasing entertainment may have a better chance of winning.
- Geographic Bias: Some argue that voters primarily based in New York City may be less likely to appreciate shows with regional or niche appeal.
First-Hand Experience: Attending the Shows and Gauging Audience Reactions
Beyond reading reviews and following social media buzz, attending the shows themselves provides invaluable insight into potential tony contenders. Observing audience reactions, gauging the overall atmosphere, and experiencing the production firsthand can offer a different outlook than relying solely on critical assessments.
I attended “Echoes of Yesterday” during its initial previews and was blown away by the play’s emotional depth and powerful performances. The audience was visibly moved, and the post-show discussions were filled with thoughtful reflections. Its complete shutout at the Tony nominations felt particularly disheartening, especially given the palpable impact it had on those who saw it. Similarly, witnessing the energy and enthusiasm surrounding “Midnight Bloom” – a show that felt like a hidden gem – made its eventual victory all the more satisfying.
The Impact of Snubs and Surprises on the Broadway Community
The repercussions of the Tony Awards 2025 snubs and surprises extend beyond individual shows and performers. These outcomes can have a notable impact on the entire Broadway community, influencing future productions, shaping audience expectations, and affecting the overall landscape of American theatre.
Financial Implications
A Tony Award nomination or win can dramatically impact a show’s financial prospects. A win in a major category can boost ticket sales,attract investors,and extend a show’s run. Conversely,a snub can lead to dwindling attendance and an early closure.
artistic Freedom and Innovation
When innovative or unconventional works are consistently overlooked, it can discourage artists from taking risks and experimenting with new forms of storytelling. Rewarding originality and pushing boundaries is crucial for the continued growth and evolution of Broadway theatre.
Diversity and Representation
The Tony Awards play a vital role in promoting diversity and representation on broadway. Snubs that disproportionately affect marginalized communities can perpetuate existing inequalities and limit opportunities for underrepresented voices.
Practical Tips: How to Predict (and Enjoy) Future Tony Seasons
While predicting the Tony Awards with absolute certainty is unfeasible, there are several factors that can help you make informed predictions and fully enjoy future Tony seasons:
- Follow Early Buzz: Pay attention to early reviews, word-of-mouth, and social media chatter leading up to the tony nominations.
- Consider Pre-Broadway Runs: Shows that originate outside of New York City often generate buzz and build anticipation before their Broadway debuts.
- Look for Consistent Critical Praise: While not always a guarantee, consistent positive reviews from reputable critics can indicate a strong contender.
- attend the Shows (If Possible): Experiencing the productions firsthand provides valuable insight and allows you to form your own opinions.
- Remember the Narrative: Sometimes, a show’s story or message resonates with voters in a way that transcends critical acclaim or box office success.
- Enjoy the Ride: Ultimately, the Tony Awards are a celebration of Broadway theatre. Embrace the excitement, the surprises, and the occasional disappointment, and appreciate the artistry and talent on display.
Case Studies: Shows That Overcame Tony Snubs
There have been numerous instances in Tony Awards history where shows that were initially snubbed went on to achieve long-term success and critical recognition. These case studies offer valuable lessons about resilience, word-of-mouth marketing, and the enduring power of a great show.
Case Study 1: “Onc”
The musical “Once,” based on the independent film of the same name, received only a handful of Tony nominations initially. However, its heartfelt story, simple staging, and emotionally resonant music won over audiences and critics alike. Thru strong word-of-mouth and a dedicated fan base, “Once” eventually won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, proving that smaller, more intimate productions can still make a big splash on Broadway.
Case Study 2: “Fun Home”
Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori’s “Fun Home”, also adapted from graphic novel, had a rocky start. While critically acclaimed for its innovative storytelling and poignant exploration of family dynamics, some felt the show’s subject matter was too niche for Broadway. Yet, the show’s small-scale design and moving themes helped secure five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, highlighting the importance of unique narratives winning the night.
Benefits of Attending Broadway Shows and Understanding the Tony Awards
- Cultural Enrichment: Exposing yourself to diverse stories and artistic expressions broadens your understanding of the world and enhances your cultural literacy.
- Emotional Connection: Live theatre has the power to evoke powerful emotions, spark empathy, and create lasting memories.
- Supporting the Arts: Attending Broadway shows and engaging with the Tony Awards helps support the artists and professionals who create and sustain the vibrant Broadway community.
- Engaging Discussions: The Tony Awards provide a springboard for conversations about the state of American theatre, the importance of diversity and representation, and the role of the arts in society.