Tony Awards 2024 live updates: ‘Stereophonic,’ ‘The Outsiders’ win early awards
“Stereophonic” enters the 2024 Tony Awards as the most nominated play of all time, while the Alicia Keys musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Merrily We Roll Along” starring Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe, and “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” with Eddie Redmayne promise to be strong competitors. Follow below for our live updates on the red carpet, winners, performances and other big moments.
7:57 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
Cody Spencer, who won sound design of a musical for “The Outsiders,” was also nominated for “Here Lies Love,” so he joins Brian Ronan (2011) as the only two people to win this award in a year in which they had multiple nominations.
7:57 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
Missing from the Act One winners: “Hell’s Kitchen,” which led the way with 13 nominations. The “Suffs” win for book and two design victories for “The Outsiders” just might indicate that the best musical race is down to those two. And if “Hell’s Kitchen” is blanked, it’ll be the most nominated show in history to fail to win a Tony.
7:55 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
The Tonys spread the love during Act One, handing 11 prizes to nine shows. “The Outsiders” and “Stereophonic” are tied with two Tonys, and it’s worth noting that “Stereophonic” can still equal the record for the most wins by a play (seven by “The Coast of Utopia” in 2007) if it sweeps its categories in the main telecast.
7:54 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
Billy Porter received the Isabelle Stevenson award, given to theater professionals who have made contributions to humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations.
He started his speech by belting bars from the song “I Don’t Feel No Way Tired” before asking the crowd to bring him his phone, where his speech was written, after not seeing it on the teleprompter.
“I grew up in a world where they told me that who I was was not worthy of anything so the fact that I’m standing before you is a miracle,” he said.
Tony Awards 2024 live updates: ‘Stereophonic,’ ‘The Outsiders’ win early awards
7:43 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
“The Outsiders” lighting designer Cody Spencer just dropped an f-bomb during his speech — and, probably relatedly, the telecast cut out for a good 20 seconds right afterward. But we’re back up and running! Good job keeping the Tonys broadcast team on its toes, Cody.
Cody Spencer.
7:42 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
Is it too early to give credence to “Stereophonic” sweep predictions? They’re winning a lot in Act One …
7:38 PM: Analysis from Sophia Nguyen, Reporter, Books
“Stereophonic” sound designer Ryan Rumery (jokingly? or at least very sweetly) requested that the audience close their eyes while he stood onstage: “I’m much more comfortable with my work being heard than my being seen.”
Ryan Rumery.
7:37 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
“Stereophonic” is the second winner for sound design of a play whose title itself relates to sound, after “Choir Boy” (2019).
7:37 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Cody Spencer won best sound design of a musical for “The Outsiders.”
7:34 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Ryan Rumery won best sound design of a play for “Stereophonic.”
7:31 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
Harvey Fierstein presented the special lifetime achievement Tony Award to Jack O’Brien, who has been involved in productions that have earned 110 Tony nominations and 29 wins over his decades-long career.
He accepted the award by saying he was experiencing two conflicting emotions: “This is the most moving experience” and “Oh my God, does this mean it’s over?”
Jack O'Brien.
7:29 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
Jane Cox’s win for lighting design of a play for “Appropriate” can be chalked up to the coup de théâtre that is the show’s final five minutes, which — without spoiling that ending — feature a stunning, lighting-driven set transformation. “How lucky to be on this show,” Cox said. “What a gift.”
Jane Cox.
7:27 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
Brian MacDevitt, in winning the Tony for lighting design of a musical for “The Outsiders” with Hana S. Kim, joins Natasha Katz, Kevin Adams, Howell Binkley and Bradley King as the only multiple-time winners in this category.
7:24 PM: Analysis from Sophia Nguyen, Reporter, Books
Hana S. Kim, speaking through tears as she accepted the lighting design in a musical award alongside Brian MacDevitt for “The Outsiders” — her first Tony — said: “I thought I overdressed tonight. I just wanted to dress up! But this is crazy — and I just did not expect to have this much flesh out in the world.”
Brian MacDevitt, left, and Hana S. Kim.
7:24 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Jane Cox won best lighting design of a play for “Appropriate.”
7:20 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
CJay Philip.
“I cut class a lot,” said CJay Philip, accepting the excellence in theater education award. She also described herself as a “knucklehead” who was set on a better path by a teacher who encouraged her to pursue theater.
Philip, founder and creative director of Dance & Bmore theater programs in Baltimore, exhorted the crowd to repeat a sung phrase: “Let the light within you shine.”
7:19 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim won best lighting design of a musical for “The Outsiders.”
7:18 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
After the design collective Dots did not win for scenic design of a play, Motley Theatre Design Group — the costume design winner for “The First Gentleman” (1958) and “Becket” (1961) — remains the only collective without any named individuals to win a Tony (other than best show categories).
7:15 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
Justin Peck’s win for choreography is his second, following “Carousel” (2018). He joins Christopher Wheeldon and Andy Blankenbuehler as choreographers with multiple wins in the last decade.
7:14 PM: Analysis from Sophia Nguyen, Reporter, Books
Justin Peck, accepting the award for choreography, said that he would be “forever thankful to this community for embracing a musical that harnesses the profound power of dance on Broadway.” (“Illinoise” has no written dialogue, conveying its ideas primarily through sound and lyrics — and, of course, movement.)
Justin Peck.
7:12 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
Decorated director and playwright George C. Wolfe accepted his lifetime achievement Tony by alluding to the divisive political climate. “As we go through this incredibly complicated time,” Wolfe said, “it’s very important that we approach it not with fear, not with trepidation but with knowing that we work with the dynamic of celebrating [and] exploring the powerful, fragile dynamic that is the human heart.”
George C. Wolfe.
7:09 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
Dede Ayite, who won best costume design in a play for “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” was also nominated in this category for “Appropriate,” making her the second person — after Catherine Zuber (“Awake and Sing!” in 2006) — to win this category and have multiple nominations in a single year.
7:08 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Justin Peck won best choreography for “Illinoise.”
7:06 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
David Zinn, in winning best scenic design in a play for “Stereophonic,” joins Bob Crowley, Rob Howell and Scott Pask as the only two-time winners in this category. He previously won for “The Humans” and won in the musical category for “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
7:04 PM: Analysis from Sophia Nguyen, Reporter, Books
In his acceptance speech, “Stereophonic” scenic designer David Zinn offered a short meditation on his craft: “I don’t know what turns a room into a poem, but every show I’ve been involved with this year has, in some ways, wrestled with an essential mystery: How does presence manifest in an empty room, out of the silence of a room?”
7:01 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
Tom Scutt’s win for best scenic design of a musical is the second win in this category for “Cabaret,” after the 1967 version also won scenic design. It joins “Company” and “The King and I” as the only shows with multiple productions winning scenic design.
6:59 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
David Zinn won best scenic design of a play for “Stereophonic.”
6:59 PM: Analysis from Rachel Tashjian, Fashion writer in the Style section
Do these Tabi boots, worn by Nathaniel White, mark the first time that the cleft-toe Maison Margiela boots have walked the red carpet at the Tonys??? I cannot say for sure, but I want to suggest we are witnessing footwear history with these (heh) kinky boots.
Nathaniel White.
6:58 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 16: (L-R) Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor attend the The 77th Annual Tony Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on June 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
I know it’s cliché, and I know everyone feels this way, but Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor are couple goals times 10,000. Can’t confirm, but I met a theater usher who told me that Taylor showed up once a week to see Paulson star in “Appropriate” (for which she’s nominated tonight). I want to believe this.
I also want to believe that they arrived at the Tony Awards aboard this lesbian party bus. I want to believe it’s their only means of conveyance.
6:58 PM: Analysis from Ben Zauzmer, Ben Zauzmer, the author of “Oscarmetrics,” uses math to predict and write about awards shows
Jonathan Tunick (“Merrily We Roll Along”) won the inaugural year of best orchestrations (1997), then lost 10 consecutive nominations before winning again tonight.
6:57 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Tom Scutt won best scenic design of a musical for “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.”
6:54 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
Jonathan Tunick, Stephen Sondheim’s collaborator on such shows as “Company,” “Sweeney Todd” and “Into the Woods,” just won his first Tony for a Sondheim musical. (He also won for 1997′s non-Sondheim show “Titanic.”) By winning for his “Merrily” orchestrations, the 86-year-old triumphed for a show he first worked on 43 years ago. “Thank you Steve, my old friend,” Tunick said.
Jonathan Tunick accepts his award for orchestrations.
6:51 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
Enver Chakartash.
Costume design nominee Enver Chakartash, above, is in big florals on a tux. Fellow nominee Emilio Sosa has damask-looking florals on his tux, below. Act One co-host Utkarsh Ambudkar has a tux with shoulders featuring bedazzled branch shapes.
Seems to me like a pleasant hangover from the “Garden of Time” theme from this year’s Met Gala.
Anna Wintour, your power is as subtle as it is pervasive.
Emilio Sosa.
6:46 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Jonathan Tunick won best orchestrations for “Merrily We Roll Along.”
6:46 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
David Zinn.
David Zinn is nominated for three Tony Awards tonight for scenic design and costume design.
I’m … fully obsessed with this look. I may be biased because this is the only look I’ve seen that I would happily copy note-for-note myself (minus the jewelry, no shade).
I love the necktie-turned-ribbons. I love the length of the shirt. I love the navy blue paired with black. It’s just formal enough to say “I care” and just laid back enough to say “Who cares?”
6:45 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
In a wide-open best musical race, it’s telling that the Tonys opened Act One by awarding best book of a musical to “Suffs” playwright and star Shaina Taub: The best book winner often goes on to take best musical. (And another key best musical bellwether — best score — seems poised to go to the nonmusical “Stereophonic.”)
6:43 PM: Analysis from Sophia Nguyen, Reporter, Books
At the end of a string of rapid fire thank-yous during her acceptable speech for winning best book of a musical, Shaina Taub encouraged anyone inspired by the story of “Suffs” to “Vote, vote, vote as if your life depends on it, because it does!”
6:43 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Linda Cho won best costume design of a musical for “The Great Gatsby.”
6:41 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Dede Ayite won best costume design of a play for “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.”
6:38 PM: Analysis from Sophia Solano, Features Editorial Aide
Shaina Taub won best book of a musical for “Suffs.”
6:37 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
“Act One” of the Tony Awards is underway on Pluto TV! You can watch free right here as the night’s first awards are handed out.
6:35 PM: Analysis from Rachel Tashjian, Fashion writer in the Style section
Vivienne Jolie and her mother, Angelina Jolie, are here to toast “The Outsiders,” which Angelina produced and Vivienne worked on as a producer’s assistant — and they are wearing fabulous coordinated outfits. Vivienne is in a teal vest and pants with a matching bow tie, while Angelina is in a heavily-draped, very romantic teal velvet gown. This is the most dramatic (sorry) look I recall seeing Angelina wearing in recent memory; she’s gone more quiet luxe over the past few years. It’s fun to see her in some sweeping, fairy-tale clothing again!
Vivienne Jolie and Angelina Jolie.
6:32 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
Billy Porter.
Billy Porter has worked hard for his reputation as someone who serves outrageous red carpet looks (remember that hat with the animatronic rhinestone curtains from the 2020 Grammys?). He’s become a fan favorite, usually earning snaps, accolades and shouts of “Work, mama!” when he attends any event.
Tonight, I say: Okay, Billy Porter!
(As in: This is just okay.)
6:31 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
Idina Menzel, the Tony winner for “Wicked” who will star in “Redwood” on Broadway next season.
I feel like if Idina Menzel’s “Oooh-WAH-ooh-WOH-OHHHH” at the end of “Defying Gravity” were a dress, it might be look like this?
Gorgeous! Dizzying!
6:28 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
Performers Erin Darke and Daniel Radcliffe, who have been dating for more than a decade.
Count Daniel Radcliffe, a featured actor in a musical nominee for “Merrily We Roll Along,” among those wildly appreciative of the Shake Shack-provided food at this year’s Tonys. “What? Is that a new thing?” he exclaimed upon hearing the news. Directly addressing the camera on the red carpet, he added: “Tonys, this is a great tie-in. This works for everybody. I fully support this.”
6:25 PM: Analysis from Rachel Tashjian, Fashion writer in the Style section
Jeremy Strong and his mustache are here! My favorite method shopper, nominated for lead actor in a play for “An Enemy of the People,” is wearing a velvet shawl collar tuxedo and a string tie. I usually love everything Strong wears — he is such an eccentric, obsessive anthropologist of clothes — but the velvet is too shiny here. Hmph.
Jeremy Strong.
6:20 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
Elle Fanning
Elle Fanning made her Broadway debut in 2023 in “Appropriate.”
“Appropriate” is right. She’s serving a simple but effective Fosse-meets-office-siren look.
Its big, bold elements are eminently scrutable even from the cheap seats.
6:18 PM: Analysis from Thomas Floyd, Writer-editor covering arts and sports
How did D.C. native Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the playwright behind best revival nominee “Appropriate,” mentally prepare for the Tonys? By re-watching the 2002 broadcast — the first Tonys he ever watched — at 2x speed on YouTube. “All I can do is think about the 13-year-old version of myself now who might be watching and wondering,” he told Playbill. “They should know it’s possible.”
6:16 PM: Analysis from Rachel Tashjian, Fashion writer in the Style section
I like how the “Cabaret” cast got thematic with their ensembles. First Bebe Neuwirth arrived in slinky satin and jewels, and now Eddie Redmayne is wearing tails with very old-timey, wide-legged pants. My one gripe: Why is he wearing a watch? You don’t wear a watch with formalwear!
Eddie Redmayne
6:14 PM: Analysis from Shane O’Neill, Writer of the Style Memo newsletter focusing on entertainment, power, media and fashion.
Somi Kakoma.
Somi Kakoma — sometimes known just as Somi — played the titular Jaja in “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” nominated for best play.
Because I am gay and it is summer 2024, I can’t see anything green without thinking about Charli XCX’s album “Brat,” but that’s probably me projecting.
More likely, the green on Kakoma and “Purlie Victorious” nominee Kara Young (below) could be traced to Gucci creative director Sabato de Sarno pushing hard on acid green on his runways (and at Milan Design Week).
Klay Young and Kara Young.