The 2024 Tony Awards were held in New York City on Sunday, showcasing a dazzling display of performances and speeches that delighted theater enthusiasts everywhere.
Among the standout moments, several first-time winners stole the spotlight at this year’s Tony Awards.
“Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe won his first Tony for best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical, expressing his gratitude for the experience. His co-star Jonathan Groff also secured his first-ever Tony for best performance by an actor in a leading role, emotionally reflecting on his love for the theater community.
Actress Sarah Paulson joined the ranks of first-time winners, taking home the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a play for her role in “Appropriate.” Paulson thanked her colleagues and partner Holland Taylor during her heartfelt speech.
Other new winners included “Succession” star Jeremy Strong and Kecia Lewis, who shared her 40-year journey to the Tony stage in her acceptance speech.
In a nostalgic moment, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys reunited on stage during the performance of songs from Keys’ musical “Hell’s Kitchen.” The duo ended the performance with a rendition of their hit song “Empire State of Mind,” much to the delight of the audience.
“The Outsiders,” a stage adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s novel, received four Tonys, including the award for best musical. Lead producer Angelina Jolie and her daughter Vivienne were seen celebrating the play’s success, with Jolie attributing her involvement to her daughter’s inspiration.
The evening also featured unique acceptance speeches, with Kecia Lewis humorously thanking her ENT doctor for preserving her vocal range. Additionally, many actors expressed gratitude to their assistants and publicists, highlighting the importance of their team members in their success.
Former First Lady Hillary Clinton made a special appearance to introduce a performance from the Broadway play “Suffs,” which she co-produced. The musical, centered around the Suffragettes’ fight for women’s voting rights, resonated with Clinton’s message about the importance of voting in the upcoming election.
