Broadway’s most glamorous evening turned into a night of unexpected triumphs, groundbreaking wins, and international flair at the 2025 Tony Awards. The spotlight shone on stories that broke norms, elevated diverse voices, and—most surprisingly—put a South Korean import center stage. If you thought you could predict this year’s winners, think again.
Tony Awards 2025 Full Winners List
| Surprise | Stat |
|---|---|
| Maybe Happy Ending swept 6 categories | Including Best Musical and Best Book |
| Cole Escola’s win is historic | First openly nonbinary actor to win Best Leading Actor |
| Kara Young sets a record | First Black actress to win three consecutive Tonys |
A Musical From Seoul Shocks the World
The biggest headline? Maybe Happy Ending didn’t just win Best Musical—it cleaned house. This heartfelt, futuristic love story between two obsolete helper-bots, created by Will Aronson and Hue Park, captured six Tony Awards.
I caught this gem off-Broadway last year and remember thinking: “This one’s different. It’s tender without being sappy, smart without being smug.” The show’s clever book, stunning set design, and an emotionally raw performance by Darren Criss helped it sweep the major musical categories.
A Play With Purpose—And Historic Wins
Purpose, penned by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, snagged Best Play. But it was Kara Young who made history, becoming the first Black actress to win three Tonys in three consecutive years—this time as Featured Actress in a Play.
That kind of consistency isn’t just rare—it’s iconic. Young’s performance was magnetic, giving every line a soul-rattling truth. This win felt earned and overdue.
Big-Name Wins and Bigger Surprises
Some victories were expected. Nicole Scherzinger brought Broadway down in her haunting portrayal in Sunset Boulevard, winning Best Leading Actress in a Musical. Likewise, Sarah Snook snagged Best Leading Actress in a Play for her one-woman feat in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
But the moment that caught everyone off guard? Cole Escola winning Best Leading Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!—a hilariously strange retelling of Mary Todd Lincoln’s late-life crisis. Escola, a nonbinary performer, didn’t just bring laughs—they brought layers, and the Tony voters noticed.
Strong Technical Showings
The awards weren’t just about actors and writers. Stranger Things: The First Shadow dominated technical categories for plays, while Buena Vista Social Club pulled off a similar feat for musicals, winning in choreography, orchestrations, and sound.
These wins signal something larger: Broadway is embracing spectacle again—but only when it serves the story.
Full List of Major Winners
Best Musical: Maybe Happy Ending
Best Play: Purpose
Best Revival of a Musical: Sunset Boulevard
Best Revival of a Play: Eureka Day
Best Leading Actor (Musical): Darren Criss – Maybe Happy Ending
Best Leading Actress (Musical): Nicole Scherzinger – Sunset Boulevard
Best Leading Actor (Play): Cole Escola – Oh, Mary!
Best Leading Actress (Play): Sarah Snook – The Picture of Dorian Gray
What These Wins Mean for Broadway’s Future
The 2025 Tony Awards felt like a sea change. Diversity wasn’t just a checkbox—it was the backbone of this year’s storytelling. From Korean creators to nonbinary performers to trailblazing Black actresses, Broadway didn’t just show up—it showed off. And as someone who’s seen more Tony seasons than I can count, this one genuinely felt different. Less pomp, more purpose.
