Major Honors Spotlight New Musicals and Powerful Dramas
The 2026 Tony Awards celebrated a diverse range of productions on Sunday, with “Schmigadoon!” taking home the coveted award for Best Musical while socially conscious productions dominated several of the evening’s top categories.
Based on the popular television series, “Schmigadoon!” follows a modern couple trapped in a fantasy world inspired by classic Broadway productions. Its victory highlighted the continued appeal of musical comedy and nostalgia among theater audiences.
Meanwhile, “Liberation” secured the award for Best Play, adding to its recent Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Written by Bess Wohl, the production explores the legacy of the women’s liberation movement of the 1970s. With the win, Wohl became the first woman since 2009 and only the fourth overall to receive the Tony Award for Best Play.
In the revival categories, “Ragtime” emerged as Best Musical Revival. The acclaimed production revisits themes of race, class, and immigration in early 20th-century America. Its stars, Caissie Levy and Joshua Henry, also earned Best Leading Actress and Best Leading Actor in a Musical, respectively.
Veteran Performers Shine During Historic Ceremony
Veteran actor John Lithgow won Best Leading Actor in a Play for his portrayal of author Roald Dahl in “Giant.” The performance earned him his third Tony Award, more than five decades after his first Broadway honor.
Additionally, Lesley Manville claimed Best Leading Actress in a Play for her role in “Oedipus,” while Laurie Metcalf secured Best Featured Actress in a Play for “Death of a Salesman.” The production also won Best Revival of a Play, and director Joe Mantello received the award for Best Direction of a Play.
The ceremony celebrated a record-breaking Broadway season that generated $1.91 billion in ticket sales. Hosted by pop star Pink at Radio City Music Hall, the event featured performances and tributes marking anniversaries of beloved productions including “Chicago,” “Rent,” “A Chorus Line,” and “The Book of Mormon.”
Among other notable winners, Qween Jean became the first openly transgender person to receive a Tony Award, winning Best Costume Design of a Musical for “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.”
