The biggest night in theater is back as the 78th annual Tony Awards kicks off this Sunday, honoring nearly three dozen Broadway shows. From an exciting host lineup to long-overdue milestones, this year’s celebration promises unforgettable performances and major firsts.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Tony Awards — including the time, channel, performers, presenters, and how to stream it for free.
How to Watch the 78th Annual Tony Awards
The 78th Tony Awards will air live from New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on Sunday from 8 to 11 p.m. ET, broadcasting on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Before the ceremony, a preshow hosted by Darren Criss (first-time nominee for “Maybe Happy Ending“) and Renée Elise Goldsberry (Tony winner for “Hamilton”) will stream on Pluto TV starting at 6:40 p.m. ET.
Cynthia Erivo Takes the Lead as Host with Star-Studded Presenters
Taking over from three-time host Ariana DeBose, Cynthia Erivo will lead this year’s event. Erivo is a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner who previously starred as Celie in “The Color Purple”, a role that won her a Tony in 2016.
“Cynthia is a remarkable talent and with her deep roots in the theater community, we are honored to have her host this year’s Tony Awards on CBS,” said Mackenzie Mitchell, CBS’s vice president of specials. “There is no doubt with her innate creativity and captivating presence, she will deliver an unforgettable evening highlighting the extraordinary achievements of this Broadway season.”
Ariana DeBose will return as a presenter, joined by other prominent names like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Samuel L. Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Paulson, and Charli D’Amelio.
A Night Full of Performances — Including a “Hamilton” Reunion
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the original cast of “Hamilton” will reunite for a special performance.
Audiences can also expect show-stopping numbers from productions including Buena Vista Social Club, Dead Outlaw, Death Becomes Her, Floyd Collins, Gypsy, Maybe Happy Ending, Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical, Pirates! The Penzance Musical, Sunset Boulevard, Just in Time, and Real Women Have Curves.
A Closer Look at the Nominees & Special Honorees
This year’s nominations span 26 categories — all listed on the official Tony Awards website — but a few standout individuals and groups will be honored with special awards. The band of Buena Vista Social Club will receive recognition, as will the team behind “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” for its technical effects and illusions.
Harvey Fierstein, a four-time Tony winner, will receive a lifetime achievement award. Celia Keenan-Bolger will receive the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award, which honors humanitarian work in the theater community.
The 2025 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre will also recognize:
PBS’ Great Performances
Theatrical producer Michael Price
Arts nonprofit New 42
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
History-Making Nominations You Should Know
Broadway legend Audra McDonald, who already holds the record with six Tony acting wins, could break her record if she wins again this year for “Gypsy”.
Kara Young is on the verge of history, too — as the first Black actress ever nominated four years in a row, she could become the first Black person to win back-to-back Tony Awards, this time for “Purpose”.
Daniel Dae Kim, nominated for “Yellow Face”, became the first Asian actor nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Play.
Meanwhile, Marjan Neshat and Tala Ashe, both starring in English, are up against each other, with a chance to become the first female performers of Iranian descent to win a Tony.
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Where to Watch the 2025 Tony Awards