Clooney, Snook, and Sink Shine in a Season of Surprises and Standouts
The 2025 Tony Awards nominations are in, and this year’s Broadway season proves that live performance is not just alive but thriving with fresh voices, celebrated revivals, and a dazzling influx of screen stars making their stage debuts. Announced on May 1, the nominations highlight a season defined by range, reinvention, and resonance.
Three productions topped the leaderboard with 10 nominations each: Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending. From lush musical numbers to inventive staging, these shows represent a dynamic blend of nostalgia and new storytelling. Dead Outlaw and Sunset Boulevard weren’t far behind, each garnering seven nominations and solidifying their place as standout works of the season. Meanwhile, in the realm of plays, John Proctor Is the Villain, and The Hills of California made significant showings, both earning critical and peer acclaim.
This year also saw Broadway evolve into a high-profile platform for film and television stars crossing into live theater, enriching the season with added star power and unexpected depth. George Clooney’s powerful portrayal of Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck earned him a nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Play. Sarah Snook, fresh off her acclaimed TV success, stunned audiences with a one-woman rendition of The Picture of Dorian Gray, securing her spot among the nominees. Sadie Sink, known to younger audiences from Stranger Things, also made her Broadway debut in John Proctor Is the Villain, earning a nod in a performance praised for its emotional honesty.
But it’s not just celebrity names making headlines. The 2025 nominations tell a broader story about Broadway’s growing commitment to representation and creative diversity. Audra McDonald continues to make history with her record-breaking 11th Tony nomination, this time for her powerhouse turn in Gypsy. Cole Escola’s Oh, Mary! received nods for both Best Play and Best Leading Actor, offering a sharp, comedic lens on identity, queerness, and celebrity. New works like Purpose and The Hills of California reflect a hunger for contemporary stories that resonate with today’s audiences.
Revivals also made a strong showing, with Floyd Collins, Gypsy, and Sunset Boulevard proving that classics can still dazzle when given thoughtful, imaginative revivals. Their presence in the nomination slate demonstrates Broadway’s ability to balance reverence for the past with a bold push toward the future.
As anticipation builds, the 78th Annual Tony Awards will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Radio City Music Hall. Hosted by the celebrated Cynthia Erivo, the ceremony promises to be an evening of celebration, surprises, and stage magic. The show will be broadcast live on CBS and stream via Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
With so many exciting nominations across a wide range of categories, this year’s Tony Awards are more than just a scorecard—they’re a snapshot of where Broadway has been and where it’s going. Below is the full list of nominees. To explore more, visit the official Tony Awards website.
🏆 Full 2025 Tony Award Nominations
Best Musical
- Buena Vista Social Club
- Death Becomes Her
- Maybe Happy Ending
- Dead Outlaw
- Teeth
Best Revival of a Musical
- Gypsy
- Floyd Collins
- Sunset Boulevard
Best Play
- The Hills of California
- John Proctor Is the Villain
- Purpose
- Stereophonic
- Oh, Mary!
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
- George Clooney, Good Night, and Good Luck
- Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!
- William Jackson Harper, Purpose
- Leslie Odom Jr., Purlie Victorious
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
- Sarah Snook, The Picture of Dorian Gray
- Jessica Lange, Mother Play
- Rachel McAdams, Mary Jane
- Amy Ryan, Doubt
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
- Audra McDonald, Gypsy
- Kecia Lewis, Hell’s Kitchen
- Shoshana Bean, Buena Vista Social Club
- Leslie Kritzer, Death Becomes Her
