Tony Awards 2025: Maybe Happy Ending Wins Big, Darren Criss and Nicole Scherzinger Set New Benchmarks
Broadway's Biggest Night: Surprises, Records, and Fresh Talent at the 2025 Tonys
This year’s Tony Awards hammered home just how much Broadway has changed, and where it hopes to go next. With the spotlight on representation, bold debuts, and a wider spread of winners, the 78th ceremony gave everyone plenty to talk about. Hosted with charm by Cynthia Erivo on June 8, the evening was packed with surprises, both in the winners' list and the moments that made history.
The night’s biggest headline came from “Maybe Happy Ending”, a quirky musical that seemed to sneak up and steal the show. It walked off with an impressive six Tonys, nabbing Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical for Michael Arden. Musical theatre lovers found themselves drawn to the delicate storytelling and charming score, and voters responded in kind. Michael Arden’s direction was lauded for giving fresh energy to the genre—proving you don’t need a massive spectacle to sweep the top prize these days.
Darren Criss, returning to Broadway in style, took home Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Oliver in “Maybe Happy Ending.” His win isn’t just another trophy for the mantle—it’s a milestone, making him the very first Asian-American man to be named Best Actor in a Musical by the Tonys. His heartfelt speech had the audience on their feet, shining a light on the growing power of representation in Broadway casting.
If you thought Criss was the only one breaking new ground, Nicole Scherzinger crashed onto the scene with a bang. Her Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” was so intense and powerful that the committee handed her Best Actress in a Musical. This made her only the second Asian-American woman ever to claim the honor. With her win and the show’s Best Revival of a Musical trophy, it was clearly a night to remember for the cast and crew of the moody classic. Scherzinger’s journey—from pop stardom to Broadway gold—gives hope to anyone looking to break into the world of theater.
Drama fans weren’t left out either. Sarah Snook, best known to TV fans for her work on “Succession,” stunned with her Best Actress in a Play win for embodying literally 26 different roles in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Her performance has become one of those theatrical legends, the kind that will be talked about for seasons to come. Meanwhile, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Purpose” was declared Best Play, giving the writer a high-profile nod for crafting one of the most thought-provoking scripts of the year.
Pushing Boundaries: Diversity, Technical Wizards, and Recognition Gaps
Beyond the mainstage, there were other signs Broadway is determined to keep pushing its boundaries. Cole Escola scored a nomination for Best Actor in a Play with their turn in “Oh, Mary!”—making them the first non-binary performer to be recognized in this category, even though they didn’t take home the trophy. Their nomination alone was a conversation starter, with many theater watchers calling it a long-overdue recognition of non-binary talent.
Supporting roles didn’t go unnoticed: Jak Malone’s comedic timing in “Operation Mincemeat” nabbed him Best Featured Actor in a Musical, and Kara Young’s performance in “Purpose” earned her Best Featured Actress in a Play. Both wins point to a season where scene-stealers got their due, and lesser-known shows found new audiences.
Special Tony Awards reminded everyone of the ways Broadway is experimenting off-stage as well. The infectious rhythms of the ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ band brought Cuban sound to the Great White Way and earned them recognition. Meanwhile, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” impressed with technical effects that blurred the lines between theatre and blockbuster cinema, showing just how much tech is shaking up traditional stagecraft.
Not every choice was warmly received, though. Many viewers were frustrated that the broadcast skipped over major categories like Best Book and Best Score, leaving writers and composers without their moment in the sun. Social media lit up with calls for producers to put all creative forces center stage, instead of shuffling some wins off to commercial breaks or side stages.
All things considered, the 2025 Tony Awards put diversity, reinvention, and new energy front and center. With big wins for “Maybe Happy Ending,” fresh faces like Nicole Scherzinger, and boundary-pushing technical feats, Broadway proved it’s still evolving—and still knows how to throw a show-stopping party.