Highlights from the 2026 Tony Awards: Winners and Key Moments
2026 Tony Awards: A Night of Triumph and Celebration
New York City – The 2026 Tony Awards dazzled audiences at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday night, celebrating the best of Broadway with a star-studded ceremony hosted by pop sensation P!nk. This year’s awards were marked by thrilling performances and emotional speeches, as the theater community came together to honor outstanding achievements in the performing arts.
Leading the pack was the musical “Schmigadoon!”, which entered the night with a whopping 12 nominations and ultimately claimed the coveted title of Best Musical. The whimsical show, known for its clever homage to classic musicals, captivated both audiences and critics alike. In a night filled with surprises, “Liberation” took home the award for Best Play, while the revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” garnered six awards, including Best Revival of a Play.
The ceremony featured a lineup of presenters that included Hollywood heavyweights such as Adrien Brody, Bowen Yang, Billy Crystal, and Ariana DeBose, adding a touch of glamour to the evening. A highlight of the night was a special performance celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Chicago,” alongside breathtaking numbers from each of the nominees for Best Musical and Best Revival of a Musical.
Broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, the event was a visual feast, showcasing the creativity and talent that defines Broadway.
Key Winners of the Night
- Best Musical: Schmigadoon!
- Best Play: Liberation
- Best Revival of a Play: Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Joshua Henry, Ragtime
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Caissie Levy, Ragtime
- Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: John Lithgow, Giant
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Lesley Manville, Oedipus
Notable Mentions
The night also recognized exceptional talent in various categories, including:
- Best Direction of a Play: Joe Mantello, Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”
- Best Direction of a Musical: Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
- Best Choreography: Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons, Cats: The Jellicle Ball
- Best Original Score: Schmigadoon!, Music & Lyrics by Cinco Paul
As the curtain fell on this year’s Tony Awards, the celebration of creativity and resilience in the theater community resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the magic that live performance brings to our lives. With a blend of nostalgia and innovation, the 2026 Tony Awards proved once again that Broadway remains a vibrant and essential part of American culture.