Recap of the 79th Tony Awards: Highlights, Winners, and Memorable Moments
The 79th Tony Awards took place at Radio City Music Hall, hosted by Pink. The event featured a star-studded audience with celebrities like Adrien Brody, John Lithgow, Laurie Metcalf, and more. The winners included "Schmigadoon!" for best musical, "Ragtime" for best musical revival, "Liberation" for best play, and "Death of a Salesman" for best revival. Despite the expected outcomes, the night was filled with laughs, tender moments, and standout performances.
Ali Louis Bourzgui delivered a powerful speech using vampires as a metaphor for societal challenges during his acceptance speech for performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical. John Lithgow and Laurie Metcalf both received well-deserved wins early in the show, marking their third Tony wins each. Nathan Lane's portrayal of Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" was a standout performance, although he did not win the award.
Joshua Henry received a standing ovation for his role in the revival of "Ragtime," winning the award for performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical. Pink kicked off the show with a dynamic performance, showcasing her love for theater despite never having been on Broadway. Darren Criss and Nicole Scherzinger shared a humorous moment during the awards ceremony, ending with a nod to Pride.
Leslie Odom Jr. delivered a soulful performance of "Without You" from "Rent" during the In Memoriam segment, honoring artists who passed away in 2025 and 2026. The evening was filled with memorable moments, showcasing the talent and diversity of Broadway performers.