The 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 authentic tune.

Not most effective did the Wicked actress pay homage to Broadway’s absolute best with references to Annie and Sunset Blvd., however she additionally were given an lend a hand from Oprah, who helped her grasp area for everybody, a l. a. that well-known interview.

Most Meaningful Garment: Francis Jue’s Gifted Tuxedo

While accepting the award for Best Performance by way of a Featured Actor in a Play for his function in Yellow Face, Francis Jue published he was once dressed in a tuxedo talented to him by way of the past due 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 ago, he told me he wanted me to wear it when I accepted my Tony Award,” Jue stated in his speech.

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

While web hosting, Cynthia Erivo joked that anybody taking greater than 90 seconds for his or her acceptance speech shall be performed off to her making a song.

Well, this system cashed in at the promise all through a not-so-ideal second. Erivo’s voice began enjoying as Kara Young was once wrapping up her speech after snagging the trophy for Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play. It was once her 2d 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 thru a medley that integrated “Mack the Knife, “That’s All” and “Once in a Lifetime,” Groff jumped into the target audience and straddled his The Matrix Resurrections costar Keanu Reeves. 

Embracing the instant, Reeves was once captured throwing up rock-‘n’-roll indicators together with his palms and going at the side of the bit.

Most Anticipated Reunion: ‘Hamilton’ 10th 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 have been the display’s author 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 smash from her web hosting tasks as she joined Sara Bareilles for a heartwarming efficiency of “Tomorrow.” The singers melodized the vintage tune from Annie because the room paid respects to colleagues they have misplaced within the remaining 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 provide the award for Best Performance by way of an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, Sarah Paulson‘s get dressed by accident hit the mic, leading to a lovable second between her and co-presenter Jean Smart.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s a man-eating dress,” the American Horror Story actress stated. “You stole my joke,” Smart quipped. “I did steal your joke,” Paulson spoke back as they broke into laughter.

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

Cole Escola made certain their first Tony Award acceptance speech was once one to bear in mind.

While accepting the award for Best Performance by way of a Leading Actor in a Play, Escola indexed the entire essential and influential folks of their lifestyles — mother, solid, group, manufacturers and a bunch of buddies, 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 status ovation with an impressive efficiency of “Rose’s Return” from Gypsy.