The 2025 Tony Awards are set to honor a record-breaking season, with Broadway achieving its highest-grossing box office total ever.
This year’s nominees reflect significant milestones in the acting categories, showcasing performers who are redefining representation on stage. Notably, Daniel Dae Kim has made history as the first Asian nominee for Best Leading Actor in a Play, recognized for his role in "Yellow Face."
“I love the fact that we are being recognized as Asian Americans on Broadway,” Kim expressed. “It’s crucial for our society today, yet I yearn for the day when nominations are so commonplace that anyone, regardless of race or gender identity, can be nominated.” He added, “I’ve always wanted to play Henry V, and those dreams are becoming reality now.”
Kara Young is also making waves with her performance in "Purpose," marking her fourth consecutive nomination for Featured Actress in a Play, a first for a Black actress.
“What an honor to be part of an incredible community of people,” Young remarked. “It’s about finding shared humanity and moving beyond the notion of a target audience.”
In another groundbreaking achievement, Tala Ashe and Marjan Neshat from "English" have both received nominations, making them the first Middle Eastern actresses nominated in this category.
Ashe stated, “I play Elham in 'English' and I’m honored to be nominated alongside Marjan. If you’re Iranian, you connect with this story. If you’ve ever tried to learn a second language as an immigrant, you certainly do.”
Cole Escola, creator of "Oh, Mary," is recognized as the first non-binary nominee for Best Leading Actor in a Play.
“It’s overwhelming to see how far we’ve come,” Escola said, proudly displaying their Tony nomination pins.
Audra McDonald continues to shine as the most celebrated figure at the Tonys, with six wins under her belt and her record 11th nomination for "Gypsy."
CBS News New York is set to spotlight these nominees and other significant moments leading up to the awards. Tune in for "Broadway and Beyond: At the Tonys" on Thursday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m.
The Tony Awards will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, star of "Wicked."
Dave Carlin has reported on major national events over the past four decades, including Superstorm Sandy and its effects across the tri-state area, Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina, and the Space Shuttle Program. His extensive coverage includes significant incidents like the 1989 San Francisco Earthquake and the trial of serial killer Ted Bundy.
