2025 Tony Awards: Cynthia Erivo to Host as Nominations Loom

New York City, NY – As the 2024-2025 theater season approaches its conclusion, anticipation builds for the 78th Annual Tony Awards, scheduled for June 8 at Radio City Music Hall. Cynthia Erivo, a Tony winner from her performance in The Color Purple, will host the event, replacing Ariana DeBose.

“I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,” Erivo stated. “I am looking forward to ushering the theatre community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.”

The awards ceremony will air live on CBS from 8 to 11 p.m. ET, with streaming available on Paramount+. Nominations will be announced on May 1 at 8:30 a.m. ET by actresses Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce.

This Broadway season features numerous productions vying for recognition, with highlights in the best play category including Jen Silverman’s The Roommate and Ayad Akhtar’s McNeal. In the best new musical category, contenders include IDINA MENZEL’s and other standout productions.

The highly anticipated Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre will go to Harvey Fierstein. “Harvey Fierstein’s contributions to the American theatre, both as an artist and activist, represent an extraordinary legacy,” stated Heather Hitchens and Jason Laks of the American Theatre Wing.

As the cutoff for Tony Awards consideration approaches this Sunday, April 27, the selection committee will finalize the nominees, leading to an exciting reveal next week.

In predicting nominations, enthusiasts expect a competitive landscape in numerous categories, including best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical and notable musical revivals. With strong performances and productions this season, predicting nominees is a complex and speculative challenge.