May 01, 2025: The 78th Annual Tony Awards race officially kicked off on Thursday, May 1, with a star-studded list of nominees unveiled during a live segment on CBS Mornings. Acclaimed actors George Clooney, Nicole Scherzinger, Mia Farrow, Sadie Sink, Daniel Dae Kim, Sarah Snook, and Jonathan Groff were among those nominated for Broadway’s highest honor.
Tony winners Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce revealed the top categories during the 8:30 a.m. ET broadcast, followed by a full nomination announcement via YouTube at 9 a.m. ET.
The Tony Awards, presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, celebrate excellence in live Broadway performance. As a key component of the rare “EGOT” achievement, the Tony stands beside the Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar as one of entertainment’s most prestigious honors.
This year’s nomination list is notable for the number of Broadway debuts, with actors like Clooney, Scherzinger, Snook, Bob Odenkirk, and Cole Escola earning nods for their first appearances on the Broadway stage. The season saw a surge of Hollywood-to-Broadway transitions, bringing new energy and audiences to the theatre world.
In a major milestone, Audra McDonald became the most Tony-nominated performer in history, further cementing her legendary status. She already holds six wins, more than any other actor.
Another historical moment came from Kara Young, who secured her fourth consecutive acting nomination, a rare achievement that highlights her sustained excellence. Young took home the Tony last year for her performance in Purlie Victorious.
The 2025 Tony Awards will be held on Sunday, June 8, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with Cynthia Erivo set to host. A Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner — and three-time Oscar nominee — Erivo brings star power and Broadway pedigree to the role.
Fans can tune into the live broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET. A 90-minute pre-show with select awards will also stream exclusively on Pluto TV, starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.
With major names, historic firsts, and fresh talent, the 2025 Tonys are shaping up to be a landmark celebration for Broadway’s finest.