Broadway’s biggest night delivered big drama, bigger divas and some of the biggest bombshells both behind-the- scenes and on stage. Here are some of the most unforgettable, meme-worthy, mascara-smudging moments that lit up the screen and our group chats at the Tony Awards 2025.
Sarah Snook: Aussie, Aussie Aussie
Sarah Snook played 26 roles in the one-woman tour de force The Picture of Dorian Gray, earning her a well-deserved Tony for Best Actress in a Play. However, there was one man on her mind when the Aussie powerhouse took to the podium in tears, thanking her husband for “holding down the fort.” Unquestionably an excellent example of #HusbandGoals right there.
Nicole Scherzinger is ready for her close-up
From Pussycat Doll to Broadway queen, Nicole Scherzinger snatched her first Tony (and the spotlight) for her smouldering turn as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Her brooding, glamorous performance in Jamie Lloyd’s moody revival earned her Best Leading Actress in a Musical. And, well, let’s just say, if she ever tells belts out that “Dontcha wish your girlfriend was hot like me,” we’ll have no option but to believe her.
Starring Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo didn’t just host the Tonys. She owned them. The Wicked star (and almost-EGOT winner) opened with a belter, dropped a truth bomb about Broadway’s booming box office, and delivered jokes with the precision of a veteran showstopper. Her best bit? Roasting the “Hollywood invasion” with a wink to George Clooney, then dismissing a suggestion to shoot him from a cannon. “Hard pass,” she quipped. Honestly? Fair.
Oprah & Erivo make meme magic
Speaking of Cythia, in a blink-and-you-missed-it backstage moment, the Wicked Wonder Woman recreated her now-iconic “holding space” meme – this time with none other than Oprah Winfrey. After asking Oprah what to do when “everyone’s telling you what you need to do,” the queen of talk gave this gem: “Forget about them, babe. The only thing you need to do is be yourself.” Cue Cynthia grabbing her finger. Cue the internet exploding.
Gorgeous George Clooney, just being George Clooney
George Clooney entered the evening as the most nominated man in the room (with zero wins). And while he may still not have taken home a Tony, GC was the running gag – and darling – of the night. Cynthia dubbed him an “up-and-comer” in her opening monologue, and while Good Night, and Good Luck went home empty-handed despite five nominations, George left with something arguably more valuable: Broadway street cred and endless crowd love.
Darren Criss puts family first
In one of the evening’s iercest showdowns, Darren Criss took home Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending, beating out Broadway heavyweights. But, the sweetest part? His emotional shoutout to his wife Mia, who held the family together while he was off charming the stage eight shows a week. “The real hero is my wife,” he said. A standing ovation-worthy moment.
The quickest costume change award goes to Megan Hilty
Megan Hilty’s quick changes deserve a Tony of their own. Because, while her role in Death Becomes Her may be about living forever, Megan showed she can do everything at once. From belting out “For the Gaze” to executing a rapid-fire series of costume changes (she went from The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy to Liza Minnelli – daughter of Judy Garland, the actor who played her) in seconds. It was theatrical sorcery. Now, where’s the award for Best Onstage Multitasking when you need it?
A red carpet look that made us green with envy
Marg Horwell (winner of the Best Costume Design of a Play award for “The Picture of Dorian Gray) shows why she was a worthy recipient of the award in this neon green ensemble
Anna Wintour: Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking
Finally, Devil Wears Prada fans will remember the iconic line delivered by Anna Wintour’s character with enough sarcasm to wither a rose: “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” But, at the Tony Awards 2025, the very woman who inspired that icy one-liner – stepped out in, you guessed it, florals, for the Northern Hemisphere Spring.
The fashion world’s eternal queen of cool traded her signature shades-and-sleek-sheath combo for a blooming beautiful look that proves even the most seasoned style icons know when to bend the rules (and poke a little fun at themselves). Is she trolling us? Is it fashion irony? Or dare we say, is it, actual joy? Whatever it is, one thing’s certain: when Anna wears florals, they are groundbreaking.
