Tony Awards 2025 Best and Worst Moments: Highlights, Winners, and Surprises from Broadway’s Biggest Night

The Tony Awards 2025 Best and Worst Moments captured the attention of theater lovers worldwide, as Broadway’s brightest stars gathered for the 78th annual ceremony at Radio City Music Hall. Hosted by Cynthia Erivo, the night was filled with unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, and a few unexpected mishaps. In this comprehensive recap, we explore the most memorable highlights, the biggest surprises, and the moments that had everyone talking.

Unforgettable Opening: Cynthia Erivo Sets the Stage

The evening began with a showstopping opening number by host Cynthia Erivo, who reminded audiences of her Tony-winning roots and vocal prowess. Her original performance, “Sometimes All You Need Is a Song,” brought together Broadway legends like Kristin Chenoweth, Adam Lambert, and Aaron Tveit, setting a celebratory tone for the night. Erivo’s witty monologue also highlighted the record-breaking success of Broadway’s latest season, which saw its highest revenues in history (Broadway League).

Best Moments: Triumphs and Historic Wins

Among the best moments of the Tony Awards 2025 was the historic win by Francis Jue, who became only the second Asian-American male actor to receive a Tony. Wearing a tuxedo gifted by his late mentor Alvin Ing, Jue delivered a heartfelt speech celebrating diversity and the legacy of Asian artists on Broadway. Another standout was Sarah Snook’s victory for her tour-de-force performance in “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” where she portrayed 26 different characters—a feat that drew widespread acclaim.

Musical performances were another highlight, especially the electrifying “Candela” by the cast of “Buena Vista Social Club,” which transported viewers to Cuba and earned the show a Special Tony Award for musical excellence. Megan Hilty’s rapid-fire costume changes during “Do It for the Gaze” from “Death Becomes Her” left the audience in awe, showcasing Broadway’s unmatched stagecraft.

Reunions and Star Power: A Night of Legends

Star-studded reunions added to the evening’s excitement. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, famous for “Bill & Ted,” presented the first award and teased their upcoming stage collaboration. The original cast of “Hamilton,” including Lin-Manuel Miranda, reunited on stage to celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary, a moment that drew a standing ovation and reminded fans of Broadway’s enduring impact.

Surprises and Mishaps: The Worst Moments

No live broadcast is without its hiccups, and the Tony Awards 2025 Best and Worst Moments included a few notable missteps. Technical issues plagued the sound system, with presenters like Keanu Reeves and Charli D’Amelio struggling with malfunctioning microphones. Even musical numbers by Jonathan Groff and Nicole Scherzinger suffered from poor audio mixing, briefly disrupting the show’s flow.

Another awkward moment came when Darren Criss attempted an in-show commercial for Pure Leaf tea during a backstage costume change—a segment that felt forced and fell flat with viewers. Despite these glitches, the professionalism of the cast and crew kept the night moving smoothly.

Broadway’s Record-Breaking Season and Notable Winners

This year’s Tony Awards celebrated a Broadway season with 21 plays and 21 musicals eligible for 26 competitive categories. Notable winners included “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Death Becomes Her,” and “Maybe Happy Ending,” each earning multiple nominations and awards. The ceremony also honored industry legends, with Harvey Fierstein receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and Celia Keenan-Bolger recognized for her humanitarian contributions (Official Tony Awards Winners).

"My presence here today is a tribute to the generations of talented Asian artists who paved the way but never received the recognition or opportunities I am fortunate to have now." — Francis Jue, upon accepting his Tony Award

Analysis: Why the Tony Awards 2025 Mattered

The Tony Awards 2025 Best and Worst Moments reflected a Broadway that is more diverse, innovative, and resilient than ever. According to the New York Times, this season marked the highest ticket sales since the pandemic, with increased representation both on stage and behind the scenes. The inclusion of more international artists and stories, as well as the recognition of technical and humanitarian achievements, signals a new era for American theater.

Looking ahead, the Tony Awards 2025 have set a high bar for future ceremonies, not only in terms of entertainment value but also in their commitment to inclusivity and artistic excellence.

Final Thoughts: An Evening to Cherish

The Tony Awards 2025 Best and Worst Moments delivered a memorable evening filled with dazzling performances, groundbreaking wins, and heartfelt tributes. While a few technical glitches reminded viewers of the live nature of the event, the overall celebration highlighted Broadway’s enduring spirit and creativity. For a complete list of winners and more detailed highlights, visit the official Tony Awards website.