Tony Awards 2026: ‘Death of a Salesman’ and ‘Ragtime’ Score Major Victories

Broadway’s biggest stars gathered at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on Sunday night as the 2026 Tony Awards celebrated the best productions of the season, with acclaimed revivals and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Liberation emerging among the evening’s biggest winners. Pop star Pink hosted the ceremony for the first time, bringing humor, music and high-energy performances to the event.

Playwright Bess Wohl claimed the award for Best Play with Liberation, a drama centered on a women’s consciousness-raising group in 1970s Ohio. The production had already earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama earlier this year, making its Tony triumph one of the night’s most celebrated achievements. Wohl became only the fourth woman to win the Tony Award for Best Play.

Classic productions also enjoyed a successful evening. Death of a Salesman won Best Revival of a Play and collected six awards overall, including honors for director Joe Mantello and actress Laurie Metcalf. Meanwhile, Ragtime was named Best Revival of a Musical, with acting awards going to Joshua Henry and Caissie Levy for their performances in the production.

One of the night’s most notable moments came when veteran actor John Lithgow won Best Leading Actor in a Play for Giant. At 80 years old, Lithgow became the oldest performer ever to win a competitive acting Tony Award, adding another milestone to his distinguished career.

In the musical categories, Schmigadoon!, adapted from the television comedy series, captured the award for Best New Musical. The production also earned honors for its score and book, marking a major comeback for creator Cinco Paul after the television version was canceled following two seasons.

Pink opened the ceremony with a theatrical performance featuring more than 170 performers and later paid tribute to Broadway’s enduring influence on the arts. The show also included anniversary celebrations, cast reunions and emotional tributes to industry figures who died during the past year.

The awards capped a strong Broadway season that saw both original productions and beloved revivals draw audiences back to theaters, underscoring the continued strength and creativity of New York’s theater community.