The 2025 Tony Awards, Broadway’s biggest night, will cap a season with the highest-grossing box office total in history.
In addition, many of the performers nominated this year highlight a number of firsts in acting categories. Here’s a look at a few performers blazing new trails at the Tonys.
Tony Award nominees making history
Daniel Dae Kim is the first Asian nominee in the Tony category of Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for his work in “Yellow Face.”
“I love the fact that we are being recognized as Asian Americans on Broadway, and I think it’s really important for where we are in our society, especially today, and yet I yearn for the day when it’s so commonplace and understood that anyone of any race or religion or gender identification can be nominated for these things,” Kim said. “I’ve always wanted to play Henry V, and you know we can always dream. And those dreams are becoming reality now.”
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Kara Young is also making history with her sparky presence in “Purpose,” which propelled her to a four-peat. She’s the first Black actress nominated four straight times for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
“What an honor to be a part of an incredible community,” Young said. “The world is being forced to believe that we should be divided, and we’re doing art and that’s what brings people together.”
“English” has two actresses, Tala Ashe and Marjan Neshat, earning nominations and marking a first for their category.
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“I play Elham in ‘English’ and I’m nominated for Tony for Featured Actress. I and Marjan Neshat are the first Middle Eastern actors to ever be nominated in this category,” Ashe said. “Yes, if you’re an Iranian, you get something from it. If you’ve ever tried to learn a second language, you certainly do as an immigrant.”
Cole Escola, creator of “Oh, Mary,” is the first non-binary nominee for Best Play and Best Leading Actor in a Play.
“It’s really overwhelming that it’s come this far, and now I’m here with my little Tonys pins, two nomination pins,” Escola said.
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Then, there’s the one and only Audra McDonald, who has won six Tonys, more than any other performer. A star for all time, McDonald is again nominated for “Gypsy,” her record 11th nomination.
“Broadway and Beyond: At the Tonys” special coverage
CBS News New York is highlighting nominees and big moments on Broadway this season ahead of the Tonys. Join us for “Broadway and Beyond: At the Tonys” on Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Then, watch the winners and unforgettable performances live at the Tony Awards, hosted by “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
