The 2026 Tony Award nominations have officially arrived, honoring a Broadway season full of new musicals, revivals, dramas, and imaginative creative teams. This year’s nominees showcase the wide variety of storytelling that is currently defining Broadway, from well-loved performers returning to the stage to new productions reimagining classic works.
Here’s a look at some of the major categories, what they celebrate and the nominees vying for the top honor in the theatrical world.
Best Musical
One of the most anticipated awards every year. Past winners of the category include iconic productions such as HAMILTON, DEAR EVEN HANSEN, THE BOOK OF MORMON, and HADESTOWN.
Nominees
TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK)
This year’s lineup celebrates diversity in contemporary musical theatre, ranging from comedy, satire, emotionally charged narratives and cult-inspired adaptations.
Best Play
The award for Best Play is given to original plays produced on Broadway over the season, as opposed to revivals. Previous winners include THE LEHMAN TRILOGY, THE FERRYMAN and THE INHERITANCE.
Nominees
This season’s nominees range from personal characterization analysis to large-scale dramas that speak to social and political themes.
Best Revival of a Musical
This category honors productions that re-imagine or re-stage musicals that have been previously produced. Revivals often present classic works to new audiences and offer new interpretations. Recent winners include MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, COMPANY and CAROUSEL.
Nominees
This year’s nominees for the revival category are a combination of traditional Broadway stories and innovative visual presentations.
Best Revival of a Play
This category honors shows that return famous plays back to Broadway. These can either be classics or new additions that have gained prominence again. Some of the winners in the past include: TOP DOG/UNDERDOG, TAKE ME OUT, AND ANGELS IN AMERICA.
Nominees
ARTHUR MILLER’S DEATH OF A SALESMAN
Nominations this year consist of modern adaptations of classic novels as well as current plays that still remain popular among audiences.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
An award for outstanding performance of a leading actor ina musical. Past nominees include stars such as BEN PLATT, AARON TVEIT, and ALEX NEWELL.
Nominees
Nicholas Christopher, CHESS
Luke Evans, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Joshua Henry, RAGTIME
Sam Tutty, TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK)
Brandon Uranowitz, RAGTIME
Nominees for the award this year consist of Broadway veterans as well as movie stars.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Acknowledging exceptional leading roles played by female performers in musical theater, past recipients of this award have included iconic women such as AUDRA MCDONALD, KATRINA LENK, and VICTORIA CLARK.
Nominees
Sara Chase, SCHMIGADOON!
Stephanie Hsu, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Caissie Levy, RAGTIME
Marla Mindelle, TITANIQUE
Christiani Pitts, TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK)
This year’s nominees represent a wide range of styles, from comedians to dramas.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
This category celebrates leading men performances in a play. Previous winners include SEAN HAYES, BRYAN CRANSTON, and MARK RYLANCE.
Nominees
Will Harrison, PUNCH
Nathan Lane, ARTHUR MILLER’S DEATH OF A SALESMAN
John Lithgow, GIANT
Daniel Radcliffe, EVERY BRILLIANT THING
Mark Strong, OEDIPUS
Among several nominated actors, many of them are known for their film and TV work.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
One of the most highly contested categories annually, this award is given to prominent actresses for their performances in a play. Past winners are SARAH SNOOK, JESSICA CHASTAIN, and LAURIE METCALF.
Nominees
Rose Byrne, FALLEN ANGELS
Carrie Coon, BUG
Susannah Flood, LIBERATION
Lesley Manville, OEDIPUS
Kelli O’Hara, FALLEN ANGELS
The nominees for this year’s awards include both Broadway favorites and well-known screen stars.
Best Direction of a Musical
This award recognizes directors who have re-shaped the artistic vision of a musical. The last few years’ winners included directors of productions such as MOULIN ROUGE!, THE OUTSIDERS, and HADESTOWN.
Nominees
Michael Arden, THE LOST BOYS
Lear DeBessonet, RAGTIME
Christopher Gattelli, SCHMIGADOON!
Tim Jackson, TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK)
Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
The productions that have been nominated this year reflect different approaches to staging, ranging from spectacular revivals to modern storytelling.
Best Choreography
Awards for achievement in choreography typically go to shows where the use of dance is integral to the telling of the story. Previous recipients include MJ, HAMILTON, and SOME LIKE IT HOT.
Nominees
Christopher Gattelli, SCHMIGADOON!
Ellenore Scott, RAGTIME
Ani Taj, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons, CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, THE LOST BOYS
This year's nominees illustrate how Broadway continues to incorporate an eclectic array of dance styles that inform storytelling in a powerful and impactful way.
This year’s Tony Awards nominations reveal that the 2026 season is full of innovation, powerfully talented artists, and groundbreaking productions. Regardless of whether you prefer timeless revivals, grandiose musicals, or impactful plays, this year’s nominees reflect both the diversity and innovation of modern theater.
