Summary (tl;dr)

The nominations for the 79th Annual Tony Awards were announced today, May 5, 2026, with new musicals "The Lost Boys" and "Schmigadoon!" leading with 12 nominations each, sparking significant interest in the upcoming awards ceremony.

Essential Background

The Tony Awards annually celebrate excellence in Broadway theater, recognizing the best productions, performances, and creative works of the season. The eligibility period for the 2025-2026 Tony Awards encompassed all Broadway productions that opened between April 28, 2025, and April 26, 2026. The announcement of nominations marks a crucial point in the awards cycle, setting the stage for the highly anticipated ceremony.

The Full Story

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the 79th Annual Tony Award nominations were officially revealed by Tony Award nominee Uzo Aduba and Tony Award-winning actor Darren Criss. The announcement, made from the Sofitel New York, showcased a competitive year for Broadway. "The Lost Boys," a new musical based on the classic 1987 Warner Bros. film, and "Schmigadoon!" emerged as frontrunners, each garnering an impressive 12 nominations. "The Lost Boys," currently playing at the Palace Theatre, has been lauded as a "thrilling, blockbuster event" and a "vampire musical". Darren Criss, who previously won a Tony Award for "Maybe Happy Ending," was a notable figure in delivering the news, underscoring his continued involvement and impact within the Broadway community. The complete list of nominees is now available, generating widespread discussion and predictions ahead of the main event.

Why It Matters

The unveiling of the Tony Award nominations is a pivotal moment for the Broadway industry, drawing significant public and critical attention to the season's most acclaimed productions and talents. For nominated shows like "The Lost Boys" and "Schmigadoon!", these nominations can dramatically boost ticket sales and enhance their cultural impact. The Tony Awards ceremony, a major televised event, serves as a vital platform for showcasing American theater to a global audience. The 79th Annual Tony Awards ceremony, hosted by P!NK, is scheduled for Sunday, June 7, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, and will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

Geographic Location

• Sofitel New York, Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States (Tony Award nominations announcement)
• Radio City Music Hall, Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States (79th Annual Tony Awards ceremony)
• Palace Theatre, Manhattan, New York County, New York, United States (current Broadway run of "The Lost Boys" musical)