What are the Tony Awards?

The Tony Awards (formally known as the Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Broadway Theatre) are the most prestigious honors in American theater. Established in 1947, the Tonys celebrate outstanding achievements in Broadway productions across various categories, including Best Musical, Best Play, and Best Actor. These awards not only recognize the best in theater but also help elevate Broadway shows, drawing attention and boosting ticket sales.

Winning a Tony can significantly extend a show’s run and increase its chances of touring nationally or internationally. As one of the most iconic events in the theater world, the Tony Awards represent the pinnacle of success for performers, directors, and creatives, making them a key symbol of excellence in live theater.

Must-see Tony Award-winning shows currently on Broadway

Several Tony Award-winning productions have enjoyed extended runs, becoming staples of the Broadway scene. Here are some of the longest-running Tony winners still captivating audiences:​

These productions have not only earned critical acclaim but have also stood the test of time, drawing audiences from around the world.

• The Lion King 🦁
  A breathtaking fusion of music, puppetry, and storytelling, this long-running classic won Best Musical in 1998.
• Chicago 🎷
  The sultry, jazz-filled revival that took home Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 and remains Broadway’s longest-running American musical.
• Aladdin 🕌
  Though not a Best Musical winner, Aladdin earned a Tony for Best Featured Actor and continues to charm with its magic and spectacle.
• Hamilton 🇺🇸
  Winner of 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2016, Hamilton redefined what a Broadway show could be.
• Cabaret 🎤
  This bold and immersive revival of the Kander & Ebb classic, which originally won Best Musical in 1967, has returned to Broadway with a fresh, electrifying new vision.

Famous actors who’ve won Tony Awards

Over the years, many acclaimed film and television stars have taken home Tony Awards, proving their talents shine just as brightly on stage. Here are just a few standout winners:

• Lin-Manuel Miranda – In the Heights (2008, Best Score), creator/star of Hamilton
• Glenn Close – Three-time Tony winner, including Sunset Boulevard
• Billy Porter – Kinky Boots (2013), a musical still celebrated in touring productions
• Hugh Jackman – The Boy from Oz (2004); also starred in The Music Man revival (2022)
• Ben Platt – Dear Evan Hansen (2017), a long-running hit on Broadway
• Cynthia Nixon – Rabbit Hole (2006)
• Judi Dench – Amy’s View (1999)
• Scarlett Johansson – A View from the Bridge (2010)
• Bryan Cranston – All the Way (2014) and Network (2019)
• Neil Patrick Harris – Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2014)
• Viola Davis – King Hedley II (2001) and Fences (2010)
• Audrey Hepburn – Ondine (1954)
• Christopher Plummer – Barrymore (1997)

These award-winning performances have helped elevate Broadway's profile and draw in global audiences, making Tony winners some of the most exciting talents to watch on stage.