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

Best Callback to an Internet Meme: Cynthia Erivo and Oprah Winfrey

Cynthia Erivo had the home on its ft along with her rousing opener that featured an unique tune.

Not solely did the Wicked actress pay homage to Broadway’s greatest with references to Annie and Sunset Blvd., however she additionally received an help from Oprah, who helped her maintain house for everybody, a la that well-known interview.

Most Meaningful Garment: Francis Jue’s Gifted Tuxedo

While accepting the award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play for his position in Yellow Face, Francis Jue revealed he was carrying 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 informed me he wished me to put on it after I accepted my Tony Award,” Jue mentioned in his speech.

Worst Moment to Lean Into a Joke: Playing Off Kara Young Mid-Speech

While 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.

Well, 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 Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play. It was her second consecutive win.

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

Jonathan Groff made essentially the most of his efficiency for Just in Time. Midway via a medley that included “Mack the Knife, “That’s All” and “Once 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 solid 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.

Best Way to Honor Loved Ones: Sara Bareilles and Cynthia Erivo’s In Memoriam Performance

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 basic 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 Dress Hits the Mic

While stepping as much as current the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, Sarah Paulson‘s gown unintentionally hit the mic, leading to a cute second between her and co-presenter Jean Smart.

“It’s superb, it is superb. It’s a man-eating gown,” the American Horror Story actress mentioned. “You stole my joke,” Smart quipped. “I did steal your joke,” Paulson responded as they broke into laughter.

Most Unhinged Yet Totally Necessary Shout-Out: ‘Tebo from Grindr’

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

While accepting the award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play, Escola listed all of the necessary and influential folks of their life — mother, solid, crew, producers and a bunch of mates, together with “Tebo from Grindr.”

Just … the Best: Audra McDonald Brings Down the House

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 strong efficiency of “Rose’s Return” from Gypsy.