Broadway Wins Most Prestigious Awards
There were plenty of big-name celebrities at the 77th Tony Awards on Sunday night, which undoubtedly boosted interest in a national broadcast that can be a tough sell since it celebrates shows that few people outside the tri-state area have seen.
Among the star-studded attendees were Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose hosting for the third time; presenters like Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Hudson, both Oscar winners; performers including Alicia Keys, Jay Z, Pete Townshend, and another Oscar winner, Eddie Redmayne; and deserving honorees like Jeremy Strong (best actor in a play for An Enemy of the People), Sarah Paulson (best actress in a play for Appropriate), and Daniel Radcliffe (best featured actor in a play for Merrily We Roll Along).
Despite the star power, the Tony Awards remained true to their independent spirit by awarding their top prizes for new shows to titles without celebrities in their cast (The Outsiders and Stereophonic) and most acting awards to Broadway veterans like Jonathan Groff, Kecia Lewis, Maleah Joi Moon, Kara Young, and Will Brill.
The winners included The Outsiders, Hell’s Kitchen, Suffs, and Stereophonic>, with some unexpected victories and notable performances recognized throughout the evening.
Revivals of Merrily We Roll Along and Appropriate were also celebrated, with standout performances and creative achievements acknowledged by the American Theater Wing and the Broadway League.
The evening brought both expected wins and a few surprises, showcasing the best of Broadway talent across various categories and genres.