Tony Awards: Nicole Scherzinger, Amal Clooney, Ariana DeBose and Cynthia Erivo lead night of theatre

Broadway’s finest gathered in New York City on Sunday night for the 78th Annual Tony Awards — and the evening was a dazzling celebration of talent, glamour, and theater’s enduring magic.

From show-stopping gowns to touching tributes, the night had it all. Nicole Scherzinger turned heads in a fiery red strapless gown paired with slicked-back hair and a bold red lip, while Ariana DeBose stunned in a silky white gown with delicate accessories — a look that embodied red carpet elegance.

Amal Clooney, attending with husband George Clooney, stole the spotlight in a white pearl-embellished gown, her cascading waves and effortless poise making her one of the evening’s style standouts. George, meanwhile, was up for Best Actor in a Play for Good Night, And Good Luck — though the award ultimately went to Cole Escola for their standout performance in Oh, Mary!.

Other fashion highlights included Brooke Shields flaunting her toned figure in a ruched crimson mini-dress, Lea Michele in a sleek blazer-inspired gown with a daring thigh slit, and Kristin Chenoweth electrifying in sheer blue.

Stars like Katie Holmes, Dylan Mulvaney, Gayle King, Jordan Tyson, and Helen J Shen brought bold hues to the carpet, from rose and teal to vivid greens and classic black.

Francis June won Best Featured Actor in a Play (Yellow Face), Kara Young took home Best Featured Actress in a Play for Purpose, delivering a heartfelt speech thanking her mother and praising theater as a unifying force in a divided world.

The evening was hosted by Cynthia Erivo, herself a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner. The Wicked star brought grace and energy to the ceremony, even amid recent controversy over her casting in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl.

This year’s standout productions included Buena Vista Social Club, Maybe Happy, and Death Becomes Her, each earning 10 nominations.

Purpose and English — Pulitzer Prize-winning plays continuing their award-season dominance

Hamilton’s 10th anniversary reunion performance, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry, and others from the original cast

Presenters included screen and stage royalty from Keanu Reeves and Oprah Winfrey to Michelle Williams, Lea Salonga, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. The reunion of Bill & Ted stars Reeves and Alex Winter added a nostalgic twist as they introduced Waiting for Godot at the event.