Finest, Worst and Most Oops Moments of the 2025 Tony Awards

Finest Callback to an Web Meme: Cynthia Erivo and Oprah Winfrey

Cynthia Erivo had the home on its toes together with her rousing opener that featured an original song.

Not solely did the Depraved actress pay homage to Broadway’s finest with references to Annie and Sundown Blvd., however she additionally acquired an help from Oprah, who helped her maintain area for everybody, a la that well-known interview.

Most Significant Garment: Francis Jue’s Gifted Tuxedo

Whereas accepting the award for Finest Efficiency by a Featured Actor in a Play for his position in Yellow Face, Francis Jue revealed he was sporting a tuxedo gifted to him by the late actor Alvin Ing.

“He had it made for himself for the opening of Pacific Overtures on Broadway in 1976, and when he gave it to me 20 years in the past, he instructed me he needed me to put on it once I accepted my Tony Award,” Jue mentioned in his speech.

Worst Second to Lean Right into a Joke: Taking part in Off Kara Younger Mid-Speech

Whereas internet hosting, Cynthia Erivo joked that anybody taking greater than 90 seconds for his or her acceptance speech will probably be performed off to her singing.

Effectively, this system cashed in on the promise throughout a not-so-ideal second. Erivo’s voice began taking part in as Kara Young was wrapping up her speech after snagging the trophy for Finest Actress in a Featured Function in a Play. It was her second consecutive win.

Finest Use of Free Will: Jonathan Groff Giving Keanu Reeves a Pseudo–Lap Dance

Jonathan Groff made essentially the most of his efficiency for Simply in Time. Halfway by means of a medley that included “Mack the Knife, “That’s All” and “As soon as in a Lifetime,” Groff jumped into the viewers and straddled his The Matrix Resurrections costar Keanu Reeves. 

Embracing the second, Reeves was captured throwing up rock-‘n’-roll indicators together with his palms and going together with the bit.

Most Anticipated Reunion: ‘Hamilton’ tenth Anniversary

The forged of Hamilton took us again 10 years as they carried out a “mixtape” of the songs from the hit musical. Included within the efficiency had been the present’s creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, in addition to Daveed Diggs, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Christopher Jackson, Anthony Ramos and extra.

Finest Strategy to Honor Cherished Ones: Sara Bareilles and Cynthia Erivo’s In Memoriam Efficiency

Cynthia Erivo took a break from her internet hosting duties as she joined Sara Bareilles for a heartwarming efficiency of “Tomorrow.” The singers melodized the traditional tune from Annie because the room paid respects to colleagues they’ve misplaced within the final yr, together with James Earl Jones, Gavin Creel, Maggie Smith and extra.

Oops, There Goes the Sound: Sarah Paulson’s Gown Hits the Mic

Whereas stepping as much as current the award for Finest Efficiency by an Actor in a Main Function in a Play, Sarah Paulson‘s costume by chance hit the mic, leading to a cute second between her and co-presenter Jean Smart.

“It is high-quality, it is high-quality. It is a man-eating costume,” the American Horror Story actress mentioned. “You stole my joke,” Good quipped. “I did steal your joke,” Paulson responded as they broke into laughter.

Most Unhinged But Completely Essential Shout-Out: ‘Tebo from Grindr’

Cole Escola made certain their first Tony Award acceptance speech was one to recollect.

Whereas accepting the award for Finest Efficiency by a Main Actor in a Play, Escola listed all of the vital and influential individuals of their life — mother, forged, crew, producers and a bunch of mates, together with “Tebo from Grindr.”

Simply … the Finest: Audra McDonald Brings Down the Home

Proving why she’s essentially the most Tony-nominated performer in historical past, Audra McDonald introduced the home down and garnered a standing ovation with a robust efficiency of “Rose’s Return” from Gypsy.