Tony Nominations 2025: Laura Donnelly, George Clooney, Sarah Snook Lead a Star-Studded Broadway Season

The stage is set for the 78th Tony Awards, and this year, Broadway is shimmering with star power. Among the frontrunners is Irish actor Laura Donnelly, nominated for Best Leading Actress in a Play for her captivating performance in The Hills of California. With celebrated names like George Clooney, Sarah Snook, Mia Farrow, and Sadie Sink joining her in the spotlight, the tony nominations 2025 are a vivid reflection of the theater world’s growing embrace of Hollywood’s finest.

tony nominations 2025: A Season of Celebrity and Substance

This year’s Tony nominations have placed a strong emphasis on blending critical acclaim with commercial allure. Laura Donnelly’s nod comes for a complex portrayal in The Hills of California, a play penned by her partner Jez Butterworth and directed by Sam Mendes. The story centers on the Webb sisters, trained in musical harmony, who reunite under grim circumstances in their coastal English hometown to bid farewell to their dying mother. Donnelly’s dual-role performance has been hailed as a “blur of skittery emotion” by critics, including The New York Times.

Other heavy-hitters in the Best Leading Actress in a Play category include Sadie Sink for John Proctor Is the Villain, Mia Farrow for The Roommate, Sarah Snook for her one-woman tour de force in The Picture of Dorian Gray, and LaTanya Richardson Jackson for Purpose.

In the Best Leading Actor in a Play category, George Clooney has secured his first Tony nomination for his role in Good Night, and Good Luck. Joining him are Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!), Daniel Dae Kim (Yellow Face), John Michael Hill and Harry Lennix (both for Purpose), and Louis McCartney (Stranger Things: The First Shadow).

A Vibrant Mix: Original Works Dominate the Best Play and Musical Categories

The Tony committee recognized five new plays in its Best Play category: English, The Hills of California, John Proctor Is the Villain, Oh, Mary!, and Purpose. These selections reflect themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and reimaginings of historical figures.

In musical theatre, the Best New Musical race includes:

• Buena Vista Social Club – celebrating Cuban music legends
• Dead Outlaw – based on the true story of a corpse-turned-attraction
• Death Becomes Her – a campy stage version of the cult classic film
• Maybe Happy Ending – a futuristic tale of robotic romance
• Operation Mincemeat – a WWII intelligence caper with a twist

Each show brings a distinct flavor, with genres ranging from historical satire to speculative fiction. Interestingly, three of these musicals center on death or the undead, a trend not lost on critics and fans alike.

High-Profile Snubs Stir Controversy

The Tony nominations also delivered a fair share of shocks. Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal’s Othello was entirely overlooked despite its box office clout and average ticket price exceeding $370. Similarly, Redwood starring Idina Menzel and The Last Five Years featuring Nick Jonas were left out in the cold.

Another surprise was the absence of Stranger Things: The First Shadow and The Picture of Dorian Gray from the Best Play category, despite critical acclaim and star performances by Louis McCartney and Sarah Snook, respectively. Even the revival of Glengarry Glen Ross missed major categories, though Bob Odenkirk did earn an individual nomination.

Musicals and Performances to Watch

Among Best Actress in a Musical nominees, Broadway powerhouse Audra McDonald (Gypsy) and pop star Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard) lead the pack. Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard have both earned nods for Death Becomes Her, while Jasmine Amy Rogers lights up Boop! The Musical.

On the men’s side, Jonathan Groff (Just in Time), Jeremy Jordan (Floyd Collins), and Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending) are fan favorites for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. James Monroe Iglehart stands out in A Wonderful World, a biopic of jazz great Louis Armstrong.

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Direction, Design, and More: Honoring the Craft Behind the Curtain

Directing nominees for plays include Sam Mendes (The Hills of California) and Knud Adams (English), while musical direction sees Jamie Lloyd (Sunset Blvd) and Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending) competing for top honors. Designers were also recognized for their inventive work in scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design across both plays and musicals.

The range and diversity of the nominations signal a strong year for Broadway, balancing classic revivals with daring new works. With ticket prices at an all-time high and production costs soaring, this year’s recognition brings hope, attention, and excitement back to the heart of live theatre.

FAQs about tony nominations 2025

Who are the frontrunners for Best Leading Actress in a Play at the 2025 Tony Awards?

Laura Donnelly, Sarah Snook, and Mia Farrow are among the top contenders, with critically acclaimed performances that have drawn both public and industry praise.

Which musicals received the most nominations in 2025?

Buena Vista Social Club, Maybe Happy Ending, and Death Becomes Her each earned ten nominations, leading the pack in the musical categories.

Why were some major stars snubbed at the Tony Awards 2025?

Despite commercial success, productions like Othello and Redwood received mixed critical reviews, which likely influenced their exclusion from major nominations.

When and where will the 2025 Tony Awards take place?

The ceremony will be held on June 8th, 2025, at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall and broadcast live in the US.

How are Tony Award nominees selected?

A committee of around 54 industry experts evaluates eligible productions opened between April 2024 and April 2025. They recuse themselves from voting on shows they’re affiliated with.

What makes this year’s Tony nominations unique?

The 2025 season stands out for its mix of Hollywood celebrity and original theatrical innovation, resulting in a highly competitive and diverse field of nominees.