Broadway’s brightest stars gathered for the 77th Annual Tony Awards at the David H. Koch Theater in New York, a night that celebrated theatrical excellence and marked significant strides for women in the industry. ‘The Outsiders’ emerged victorious as Best Musical, with Angelina Jolie, contributing as a producer, winning her first Tony Award. Shaina Taub also made history, securing the Best Score award for her work on ‘Suffs’, and Danya Taymor became the first woman to win the Tony for directing a musical with her work on ‘The Outsiders’.Jeremy Strong’s portrayal in ‘An Enemy of the People’ earned him Best Lead Actor in a Play, bringing him closer to the coveted EGOT status. Daniel Radcliffe won his first Tony for his role in ‘Merrily We Roll Along’, and Sarah Paulson was recognized as Best Actress in a Play for ‘Appropriate’. The ceremony was not just a celebration of theatrical achievements but also a showcase of powerful messages, with Hillary Clinton emphasizing the importance of voting during her introduction of the musical ‘Suffs’.The evening was further enlivened by memorable performances, including Alicia Keys and Jay-Z’s rendition of ‘Empire State of Mind’, and a tribute to the legendary Chita Rivera. The red carpet also dazzled with fashion statements, with celebrities like Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson gracing the event in designer gowns.The Tony Awards once again demonstrated the enduring power and relevance of live theater, and the 2024 ceremony will be remembered for its celebration of women’s achievements, the triumph of new musicals and plays, and the poignant reminders of the role of the arts in addressing social issues.
Key points
- The 77th Annual Tony Awards celebrated theatrical excellence with ‘The Outsiders’ winning Best Musical and Angelina Jolie earning her first Tony as a producer.
- Shaina Taub and Danya Taymor made history for women in the industry with their respective wins for Best Score and Best Direction in a Musical.
- Jeremy Strong and Daniel Radcliffe each secured their first Tony Award for their performances, with Strong nearing EGOT status.
- Hillary Clinton delivered a powerful message on the importance of voting during the musical ‘Suffs’ introduction.
- The ceremony featured performances by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z and fashion highlights on the red carpet.
