Live Updates from Tonys 2025: ‘Purpose’ Takes Best Play, Sarah Snook Shines Among Acting Victors
The 2025 Tony Awards took place last night at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City, celebrating the best of Broadway in a star-studded event. Among the big winners of the night was the play “Purpose,” which took home the award for Best Play. Written by newcomer playwright Samantha Roberts, “Purpose” explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in a fast-paced world.
In the acting categories, Australian actress Sarah Snook stole the show, winning the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Snook’s portrayal of Martha, a complex and emotionally charged character, captivated audiences and critics alike. In her acceptance speech, Snook thanked her fellow cast members, crew, and the Broadway community for their support and recognition.
Other notable winners of the night included Natalie Venetia Belcon, who won Best Actress in a Featured Role for her performance in the musical “The Color Purple,” Kara Young, who took home the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in the play “The Inheritance,” Jak Malone, who won Best Actor in a Featured Role for his performance in the musical “Hadestown,” and Francis Jue, who was honored with the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his role in “Miss Saigon.”
One of the highlights of the evening was a special performance by the original cast of the hit musical “Hamilton,” who reunited for a one-night-only performance of some of the show’s most iconic songs. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, and the rest of the original cast received a standing ovation from the audience, who were thrilled to see the beloved show brought back to life on the Tony Awards stage.
Throughout the night, presenters and winners alike emphasized the importance of diversity and representation in the theater community. Many speeches touched on the need for more opportunities for actors of color, LGBTQ+ performers, and artists from marginalized communities. The Tony Awards have long been a platform for celebrating diversity and inclusion in the arts, and this year was no exception.
In a post-show press conference, Tony Awards producer Sarah Jones spoke about the importance of recognizing and uplifting diverse voices in the theater. “Broadway is a place where everyone should feel welcome and represented,” Jones said. “We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable industry for all artists, regardless of their background or identity.”
As the night came to a close, the winners and nominees gathered on stage for a final bow, basking in the glow of their well-deserved recognition. The 2025 Tony Awards were a celebration of talent, creativity, and the power of storytelling to inspire and unite audiences from all walks of life.
As the theater community looks ahead to the future, one can’t help but wonder: What groundbreaking performances and productions will the next generation of Broadway stars bring to the stage? And how will the industry continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs and expectations of audiences in the years to come? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the magic of Broadway will continue to shine bright for years to come.