2025 Tony Awards: Highlights and Big Wins That Stole the Show
The 2025 Tony Awards turned out to be more than just a glamorous night—it was full of emotional wins, groundbreaking moments, and some seriously inspiring speeches. Let’s talk about the biggest winners of the evening, and why this year’s Tonys felt more personal than ever.
“Purpose” Takes Center Stage
Best Play: Purpose
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play Purpose was crowned Best Play, and it’s easy to see why. The story is set in a snowy gathering, where an accomplished Black family comes face-to-face with deep family tension, class expectations, and uncomfortable truths.
Jacobs-Jenkins didn’t just win a Tony—he also picked up a Pulitzer for Purpose. That’s major. And it’s not his first Tony either, making this win feel like another chapter in a legacy that’s only getting stronger.
Kara Young Makes History
Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Kara Young
Kara Young took home her second Tony, this time for her performance in Purpose. With this win, she became the first Black person to win two Tonys back-to-back and the first Black female actor to get nominated four years straight.
Her speech? Raw and full of heart. She thanked her parents, the cast, playwright Jacobs-Jenkins, and director Phylicia Rashad. She also reminded everyone how theatre has the power to bring people together, calling it “a sacred space.” She’s not wrong.
Sarah Snook’s 26-Character Powerhouse
Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Sarah Snook
Sarah Snook—yes, the one from Succession—won for her incredible one-woman performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray. She played all 26 roles in the play. Every. Single. One.
During her speech, she got emotional and said, “This means so much for a little Australian girl.” It’s a performance people won’t forget anytime soon.
Powerful Wins with Powerful Messages
Francis Jue picked up Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for Yellow Face. His speech was a standout. He wore a tux gifted by another Asian actor and used the moment to shine a light on Asian artists who came before him. “To those who don’t feel seen—I see you,” he said. You could feel the whole room holding their breath.
Jak Malone won Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical. He played a woman on stage in every performance and used his win to speak up for trans rights. It was bold, honest, and heartfelt.
More Wins Worth Noting
- Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Natalie Venetia Belcon, Buena Vista Social Club
- Best Original Score: Maybe Happy Ending, music by Will Aronson, lyrics by Will Aronson and Hue Park
- Best Book of a Musical: Will Aronson and Hue Park for Maybe Happy Ending
- Best Choreography: Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, Buena Vista Social Club
- Best Costume Design of a Musical: Paul Tazewell, Death Becomes Her
- Best Costume Design of a Play: Marg Horwell, The Picture of Dorian Gray
The 2025 Tony Awards gave us more than winners—it gave us stories, voices, and performances that mattered. And if this year proved anything, it’s that Broadway is not just alive—it’s evolving, and it’s more inclusive and powerful than ever.
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