The Tony Awards, formally The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, are the highest honor in American theatre. Every year, the nominations highlight the best productions, performances, and creative work that have appeared on the Broadway stage. The Tony Award nominations of 2025 have also presented a varied group of talent and ingenuity, which is characteristic of modern theatre.
Leading the Pack: Leading Nominated Shows
1. Buena Vista Social Club – 10 Nominations
Inspired by the 1999 documentary, Buena Vista Social Club brings the dense musical legacy of Cuba to Broadway. With 10 nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for Marco Ramirez, and Best Original Score by David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, the production has been praised for its vivid storytelling and catching rhythms. The show’s success highlights the increasing popularity of global stories in American theatre.
2. Death Becomes Her – 10 Nominations
From the 1992 cult film classic, Death Becomes Her has been reimagined as a musical that explores the themes of vanity, immortality, and competition. With 10 nominations, the show has enthralled the audience with its dark comedy and stunning musical pieces. The awards recognize the show’s creative work on bringing a popular film into a stage show.
3. Maybe Happy Ending – 10 Nominations
Maybe Happy Ending is a futuristic story of two androids seeking to understand the nature of human emotions and relationships. With 10 nominations, the musical itself has been acclaimed for its creative concept and emotional performances. The awards serve as an indicator of the industry’s acceptance of science fiction narratives and their ability to tap deep emotional resonance.
4. Dead Outlaw – 7 Nominations
Dead Outlaw is the strange true tale of Elmer McCurdy, a murderer whose corpse was used as a sideshow freak for decades. The show has 7 nominations, including Best Musical and Best Original Score by David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna. Its quirky concept and intriguing narrative have helped make it one of the season’s standout productions.
5. John Proctor Is the Villain – 7 Nominations
A modern-day reinterpretation of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, John Proctor Is the Villain delves into teenage angst and pressures of society. With 7 nominations, the play has gained recognition for its biting dialogue and electrifying acting, especially that of Fina Strazza as Mary Warren.
Major Performances and Breakthroughs
Audra McDonald – 11th Tony Nomination
Audra McDonald, who already holds the record for the most Tony Awards earned by a performer, has been nominated for her 11th for her performance of Momma Rose in Gypsy. This nomination not only cements her as a legend of Broadway, but also as a record for the most Tony nominations for a single actor.
Sarah Snook – Best Actress in a Play
Most recognized for playing the character in Succession, Sarah Snook has been nominated for Best Actress in a Play for her solo performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Her skill at portraying all 26 characters in the production has garnered much applause, demonstrating her range and depth of acting talent.
Harry Lennix and LaTanya Richardson Jackson – Purpose
In Purpose, Harry Lennix and LaTanya Richardson Jackson give outstanding performances as a married couple who face ingrained family secrets. The play has been nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for Lennix. Their chemistry on stage and emotional range have been key to the show’s success.
Julia Knitel – Dead Outlaw
Julia Knitel received her first Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performances in Dead Outlaw. Playing three different characters, Knitel’s acting has been credited as having great range emotionally and commitment, which makes her a up-and-coming star in the Broadway scene.
Kara Young – Purpose
Reaching a record-breaking achievement, Kara Young has been nominated for her fourth straight Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in Purpose. She is the first Black woman to do so, highlighting her own persistent excellence and commitment to her art.
Celebrating Diversity and Representation
The 2025 Tony Award nominees demonstrate a concerted effort to honor diverse voices and stories. Shows such as English, which dissects the intricacies of language and identity within a Tehran language school, and Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, which chronicles the lives of Latina women, epitomize the commitment of the industry towards representation and inclusivity.
The Road Ahead
With Broadway getting ready to host the 2025 Tony Awards ceremony, the nominations paved the way for a night of triumph and celebration. The wide range of productions and performances highlights the vibrancy and resilience of the theatre community. Whether it’s the creative storytelling of Buena Vista Social Club, the sensitive stories of Purpose, or the trailblazing performances of actors such as Audra McDonald and Sarah Snook, this year’s shortlist celebrates the continued strength of live theatre to educate, provoke, and delight.
In the next few weeks, the theatre world will anxiously await the reveal of winners, but for now, the 2025 Tony Award nominations are a tribute to the superior talent and imagination that mark Broadway.
