Tony Awards Race Heats Up Ahead of June Ceremony

NEW YORK, NY — With less than three weeks until the 2025 Tony Awards ceremony on June 8, the competition for top acting trophies is intensifying. Insight from Gold Derby contributors Sam Eckmann and David Buchanan reveals momentum shifts among nominees.

Last week, the focus was on the play acting races, but attendees of the League’s Spring Road Conference are influencing voter opinions as they see nominated productions, attend talk-backs, and enjoy parties. Notably, two musicals, Maybe Happy Ending and Death Becomes Her, captured the attention at lavish events, shaping perceptions leading up to the awards.

The conference is essential for Tony campaigning, drawing over 100 out-of-town voters to New York. Many believe Maybe Happy Ending has an emotional edge, while Death Becomes Her has gained popularity for its comedic appeal. Predictions speculate surprises in categories like Best Book of a Musical, where upsets are possible.

As for the acting categories, there’s strong support for Cole Escola, favored for Lead Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!. Although there are challengers like Louis McCartney from Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Escola’s unique performance stands out. Buchanan notes that Escola’s buzz makes him hard to dethrone.

In the Lead Actress category, Sarah Snook leads with her performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray. With other contenders like LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Sadie Sink, Snook’s strong showing keeps her as the frontrunner. However, the competition remains tight as Snook’s play continues to run.

The Featured Actress race is competitive, with Fina Strazza from John Proctor Is the Villain gaining momentum. Voters love the play’s understated charm, and Strazza’s performance resonates deeply.

In Featured Actor, Gabriel Ebert’s work in John Proctor gets props, but predictions currently lean toward Daniel Dae Kim in Yellow Face. Kim’s performance, highlighted by a PBS broadcast, has struck a chord with audiences and voters.

Ultimately, industry analysts continue to discuss how prior awards can signal shifts in voter sentiment. The excitement and speculation leading up to the Tony Awards grow as a variety of performances gain recognition, showcasing the diverse talents within this year’s nominees.

The 2025 Tony Awards are set to celebrate achievements in theater, with the anticipation for surprises and standout performances mounting as the ceremony approaches.