Tony 2025 Was All Heart: Darren Criss, Nicole Scherzinger & Sarah Snook Dominate
The 78th Tony Awards lit up Radio City Music Hall on June 8, 2025, with emotional wins, fashion fire—and a Broadway revival. Hosted by Cynthia Erivo, the ceremony celebrated a record‑breaking $1.9 billion Broadway season (apnews.com).
Darren Criss’s Dream Fulfilled
Darren Criss earned his first Tony—Best Actor in a Musical—for Maybe Happy Ending, beating strong contenders Jonathan Groff and Jeremy Jordan (people.com). In his deeply personal acceptance speech, Criss said, “This goes to my hero, my wife Mia…thank you for juggling family while I was onstage eight times a week.”
Costume Drama on the Carpet
Criss stunned on the red carpet in a glittering black suit—jacket open, shirtless, sporting silver‑tipped nails and a brooch (people.com, instyle.com). Mia Swier turned heads in a sheer black top paired with a voluminous use‑of‑sparkle skirt and carried a playful red heart purse.
Broadway Standouts Return High Drama
Nicole Scherzinger won Best Actress in a Musical for Sunset Boulevard, earning both revival and leading actress Tonys, her first since winning the Olivier (theguardian.com). Sarah Snook made a splash too—winning Best Actress in a Play for portraying 26 characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray. She dazzled in a bold yellow gown during her late‑arrival entrance (theguardian.com).
Big Winners & Historic Wins
Maybe Happy Ending took home six Tonys, including Best Musical and Best Direction for Michael Arden . Buena Vista Social Club also had a winning night, grabbing four awards. Purpose won Best Play—its playwright Branden Jacobs‑Jenkins—and Kara Young made history as the first Black performer to win best featured actress in a play in consecutive years (apnews.com).
Emotional Tributes & Stand‑Out Performances
Highlights included a nostalgic Hamilton reunion featuring Lin‑Manuel Miranda and company, and Cynthia Erivo’s moving in‑memoriam tribute. Broadway’s comeback was clear as the stage sparkled with top talent (time.com).
Social Media Buzz & Fan Reactions
Fans took to X and Instagram praising Criss’s win and red‑carpet moment. Messages overflowed:
“Finally time for Darren Criss to get his flowers 🌟 #TonyWinner”
“Sarah Snook’s 26‑character performance is legend-level!”
What Lies Ahead
With Maybe Happy Ending and Sunset Boulevard now Tony‑winning shows, fans can expect extended Broadway runs and potential tours. Rumors also swirl about Snook possibly touring her Dorian Gray solo show nationally after its June 29 Broadway close (people.com, theguardian.com).
Jenifer
