On June 7, 2026, the 79th Annual Tony Awards were held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, celebrating the best in Broadway theater for the season. This prestigious awards ceremony showcased a range of performances and productions, with notable victories in both musical and play categories.

The coveted award for Best Musical was awarded to Schmigadoon!, a production that has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative storytelling and engaging score. The event also highlighted the power of dramatic storytelling through its Best Play winner, Liberation, written by Bess Wohl. Her work has been recognized for its compelling themes and impactful character development.

In the acting categories, Lesley Manville received the award for Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her performance in Oedipus, while John Lithgow took home the award for Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for his role in Giant. Lithgow's recognition emphasizes his continued excellence in the theater world.

The musical revival category saw Ragtime being honored as one of the standout productions of the year. This vibrant revival not only captivated audiences but also earned several awards, including leading roles for both Caissie Levy and Joshua Henry, who won Actress and Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, respectively.

In the play revival category, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman triumphed, securing multiple accolades, including Direction of a Play, awarded to Joe Mantello. The play's rich narrative and profound performances were celebrated, further solidifying its importance in American theater history.

Featured performance awards went to Alden Ehrenreich for Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his work in Becky Shaw and Laurie Metcalf for Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for her performance in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. In the musical category, Shoshana Bean won Actress in a Featured Role for her role in The Lost Boys, while Ali Louis Bourzgui took the award for Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, also for The Lost Boys.

This year’s awards also celebrated exceptional direction and choreography. Directions for the musical were shared by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, while Joe Mantello's work on Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman earned him further recognition. The choreography award went to Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons for their work on Cats: The Jellicle Ball, showcasing the impressive artistic talents involved in these productions.

Additionally, the Original Score award was presented to Schmigadoon!, with music and lyrics by Cinco Paul, who also received recognition for the Book of a Musical. His contributions to this production significantly enhanced its appeal and innovative storytelling.

Overall, the 2026 Tony Awards not only celebrated the outstanding performances in the theater industry but also highlighted the commitment of artists to deliver powerful narratives that resonate with audiences. The event was a reflection of the vibrant and diverse landscape of Broadway theater, underscoring its vital role in cultural expression and the arts.