Tony Awards 2026: Full List of Winners (Updating Live)
Tony Awards 2026 – The 79th Tony Awards ceremony, which took place at New York City’s iconic Radio City Music Hall, marked a significant milestone in the theater world. For the first time in the event’s history, the host seat was claimed by Grammy-winning singer Pink, who brought her charismatic energy to the stage. This year’s celebration honored the outstanding achievements of the 2025-2026 Broadway season, with a diverse array of nominees and celebrated performers gathering to showcase the year’s most impactful productions.
With the ceremony’s return to its traditional venue, the focus remained on recognizing excellence in both plays and musicals. The event was split into two parts, with the first segment, The Tony Awards: Act One, airing exclusively on Pluto TV at 6:35 p.m. ET. This was followed by the national broadcast on CBS, which began at 8 p.m. ET and was simultaneously available on Paramount+ for streaming. The decision to return to Radio City Music Hall underscored the enduring significance of the venue in Broadway history, as it has hosted the Tony Awards since 1947.
Among the most anticipated categories were the Best Musical and Best Play awards, with two new musicals leading the nominations. The Lost Boys and Schmigadoon! each secured 12 nods, placing them at the forefront of the competition. The revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, starring Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf, also made a strong showing, earning 11 nominations—more than any other play in the season. This revival, which reimagined the classic drama with modern flair, highlighted the enduring relevance of Miller’s work and the continued popularity of the play’s themes.
As the ceremony unfolded, the broadcast included special tributes to Broadway productions celebrating milestone anniversaries. These included The Book of Mormon, Chicago, A Chorus Line, and Rent—all of which had already left a lasting mark on the theater scene. The Book of Mormon, in particular, became a topic of discussion due to its 20th anniversary, with its creators and cast reflecting on the show’s legacy. The inclusion of these titles in the tribute segment added a layer of nostalgia, while also acknowledging their continued influence on contemporary Broadway.
The eligibility period for the Tony Awards 2026 spanned from April 28, 2025, to April 26, 2026, ensuring that only productions within this timeframe were considered for awards. This year’s lineup featured a mix of fresh and established works, with the audience’s attention divided between groundbreaking new entries and long-running favorites. The rigorous selection process, which involves a panel of judges and a voting audience, resulted in a balanced representation of innovation and tradition.
Notably, the ceremony also spotlighted the collaborative efforts behind the winning productions. Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), a musical with music and lyrics by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan, was one of the standout entries. Its creators were celebrated for their ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling, a theme that resonated throughout the season’s top contenders. Similarly, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, which had been a staple of Broadway for decades, was recognized for its enduring appeal and the talent of its creative team, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Wilson, Trevor Holder, and Doug Schadt.
Throughout the event, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as the audience and industry insiders awaited the announcement of the final winners. The inclusion of multiple platforms for viewing—Pluto TV, CBS, and Paramount+—ensured that the ceremony reached a wider audience, both locally and globally. This accessibility reinforced the Tony Awards’ role as a unifying celebration of American theater, bringing together fans and professionals alike to honor the season’s achievements.
One of the most surprising aspects of the 2026 Tony Awards was the inclusion of several lesser-known but critically acclaimed works. These productions, while not as widely recognized as previous winners, were praised for their originality and emotional depth. For instance, the musical The Lost Boys was lauded for its unique narrative and powerful performances, particularly by its lead cast of Ethan Popp, Kyler England, Adrianne “AG” Gonzalez, and Gabriel Mann. Their contributions were seen as pivotal to the show’s success, earning it a place among the year’s most notable entries.
The revival of Death of a Salesman also drew attention for its modern interpretation of the classic play. The production, which had already been a hit in its initial run, was praised for its seamless integration of traditional elements with contemporary staging techniques. Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf, known for their versatility in both comedy and drama, brought a fresh perspective to the role, making the revival a favorite among critics and audiences alike. Their performances, along with the support of the entire cast, were instrumental in securing the play’s high number of nominations.
As the awards ceremony progressed, the focus shifted to recognizing individual and collective achievements. The Best Musical category saw fierce competition, with The Lost Boys and Schmigadoon! both vying for top honors. Meanwhile, the Best Play category was dominated by the revival of Death of a Salesman, which was seen as a testament to the play’s timeless appeal. The evening also included special performances, such as a tribute to the iconic musical Chicago, which had been a Tony winner in its own right during its initial run.
The Tony Awards 2026 were not only a celebration of artistic excellence but also a reflection of the evolving landscape of Broadway. With the inclusion of diverse voices and fresh storytelling, the ceremony highlighted the industry’s commitment to innovation while honoring its rich history. As the final winners were announced, the event left a lasting impression, setting the stage for future theatrical endeavors and rekindling interest in the works that had captivated audiences throughout the season.
“The Tony Awards 2026 proved that the spirit of Broadway remains as vibrant as ever, with new stories and familiar classics coexisting in a dynamic celebration of artistry and innovation,” said a theater critic at The Independent.
For those interested in staying updated on the latest news and events, The Independent offers email subscriptions. By signing up, readers can receive exclusive offers, updates, and insights into the world of theater and entertainment. This year’s ceremony was a reminder of the power of live performance and the role of the Tony Awards in shaping the future of American theater.
