The Most Memorable Moments From the 2024 Tony Awards

TThe 77th Tony Awards celebrated Broadway’s biggest stars at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater in New York on Sunday night, with Ariana DeBose marking her third time hosting the ceremony.

The night featured several close contests, including Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play – which featured Sarah Paulson (Appropriate) win after facing Jessica Lange (Mother Joke) and Rachel McAdams (Maria Jane).

Several actors were nominated for Tony Awards after debuting on Broadway this season. Maleah Joi Moon, nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for her role in Alicia Keys’ jukebox musical Hell’s Kitchendidn’t just premiere — the show, which received an impressive 13 nominations, is her first professional production.

StereoA show full of Broadway premieres and which also has 13 nominations, it features two standout performances from Sarah Pidgeon and Juliana Canfield, who face off in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play category.

Viewers were also treated to exciting performances from different Broadway musicals, including Stereo, Happily we roll, Strangers, Who is Tommy, CabaretIt is Hell’s Kitchen.

From heartfelt performances to honest speeches, here are the highlights from the 2024 Tony Awards.

Most New York moment

If you’re going to a Broadway theater, it’s impossible to walk through the Times Square area without hearing Alicia Keys and Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” more than once in its entirety, from street vendors speakers or pedicabs trying to seduce tourists. for a ride. The first Tony Awards performance was a medley of Hell’s Kitchen, Keys’ semi-autobiographical musical, and included “Empire State of Mind.” Keys performed the seminal New York song and brought out one of New York’s most famous New Yorkers, rapper Jay-Z, for an electric performance.

The realest scream

Succession star Jeremy Strong took home his first Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for his work as Doctor Thomas Stockman in An enemy of the people. In his speech, he took a moment to shout out to the ushers and theater staff, “who see me coming in every day looking like I just got hit by a truck and see me coming out looking, somehow, even worse” – which received lively applause from the crowd.

More exciting performance

All through their show promotion Happily we rollJonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe put their united friendship on full display and imbued their performances with familiarity and charming personalities. The trio brought this joy to the Tony Awards, with the performance of “Old Friends” from the musical composed by Stephen Sondheim. Later that night, Radcliffe and Groff each earned their first Tony Awards.

Most emotional dance number

Illinois adapts Sufjan Stevens’ striking and moving 2005 album Illinois in a Broadway production that combines his devastating lyrics with beautiful dancing. The company of Illinoiswhich took home the Tony Award for Best Choreography, delivered a moving number that highlighted the beauty of the production.

Most passionate speech

Kecia Lewis is no stranger to the stage – she’s been on Broadway since 1981, when she debuted in dream girls. For her most recent role as Miss Liza Jane in Hell’s Kitchen, Lewis took home the award for Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical — her first Tony nomination and win despite a decades-long career. Reflecting on his experience in the industry, Lewis shared some insights for those hoping to work on Broadway. “I would like to thank the people in my life who didn’t let me give up,” Lewis said. “Having been in this business for 40 years, I have often wanted to give up.”

Craziest performance

Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne led the company Cabaret in a crazy performance of “Wilkommen.” Redmayne, who plays the master of ceremonies, was joined by his co-star Gayle Rankin, the show’s Sally Bowles and other actors from the show to give the audience a taste of the wild show at the recently renovated August Wilson theater, which is home to the Kit Kat Club. .

Best debut win

Maleah Joi Moon’s undeniable talent as Ali in Hell’s Kitchen was rewarded Sunday night when she won the Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. The 21-year-old beat out Broadway veterans and critical darlings including Eden Espinosa, Kelli O’Hara, Maryann Plunkett and Gayle Rankin. Moon seemed shocked by the win and it was a surprise considering it was her first time acting in a professional production.

Most deserved victory

The cast of Happily we roll was the front-runner for tonight’s Tony Awards. Jonathan Groff joined co-star Daniel Radcliffe in the winner’s circle and won his first Tony for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical as Franklin Shepard. This was Groff’s third nomination, after receiving two previously for his work as King George III in Hamilton and like Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening. He thanked his co-stars in an emotional speech, saying: “Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez, you are more than just old friends, you are soulmates and I look forward to watching each other change for the rest of our lives. ”