Spotlight on the 2026 Tony Awards: Key Details and Highlights
This Broadway season, 24 shows received nominations for the Tony Awards. However, not all will take home an award or gain the usual boost in box office attention.
When Are the Tony Awards?
The Tony Awards will be broadcast on June 7 from 8-11 p.m. Eastern and 5-8 p.m. Pacific. The ceremony will take place live at Radio City Music Hall.
How Can You Watch?
You can watch the Tonys on CBS. It is also available for streaming on Paramount+ for U.S. Showtime subscribers. A pre-show will air on Pluto TV from 6:35-8 p.m. Eastern and 3:45-5 p.m. Pacific. Laura Benanti and Tituss Burgess host the pre-show. Viewers can access Pluto TV through smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile apps, or online.
Who’s Hosting the Event?
Pink, celebrated with three Grammy Awards, will host the Tony Awards for the first time. Previously, she accepted the Icon award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2023.
Performances to Look For
The seven best new musical and revival performances include: “The Lost Boys,” “Schmigadoon!,” “Titanique,” “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York),” “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” “Ragtime,” and “The Rocky Horror Show.”
Award Categories
There are 26 competitive categories in the Tony Awards. These range from lead and featured acting to scenic, costume, and lighting design. Some technical awards may be pre-recorded and edited into the telecast.
Top Nominees
Two productions lead the nominations with 12 each: “The Lost Boys” and “Schmigadoon!”. “Ragtime” follows with 11 nominations, and “Death of a Salesman,” starring Nathan Lane, has nine nominations.
Best New Play and Musical Contenders
For best new musicals, the nominees are “The Lost Boys,” “Schmigadoon!,” “Titanique,” and “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).” For new plays, the contenders are “The Balusters,” “Giant,” “Liberation,” and “Little Bear Ridge Road.”
Potential Historical Moments
At 96, June Squibb sets a record as the oldest Tony-nominated actor. She could surpass Lois Smith as the oldest winner. Nathan Lane could tie as the most-awarded male performer with hopes for his fourth Tony. The best leading actress in a musical category features all first-time nominees for the first time since 2002.
Additional Performances
The original lead cast of “The Book of Mormon” will perform, marking the show’s 15th anniversary.
Record-Breaking Season
The 2025-2026 Broadway season achieved a new box office record with earnings of over $1.91 billion, surpassing last season’s $1.89 billion. Despite the financial success, attendance slightly decreased.