Actors Uzo Aduba and Darren Criss announced the nominations for the 79th Tony Awards on Tuesday [1], [2].
The announcement marks the official start of Broadway's awards season, identifying the top productions and performers competing for the industry's highest honors.
The nominations were released May 5, 2026 [2], [3], during a public press event and online livestream [1], [2]. The full list of nominees covers all categories, including the highly contested Best Musical award [2], [3].
In the Best Musical category, four productions are listed as contenders [4]. These include *The Lost Boys*, *Schmigadoon!*, *Titanique*, and *Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)* [2]. While some reports suggest five shows are competing in this category, only four titles were explicitly listed in the primary summaries [4].
This year's process follows the standard cycle of recognizing excellence in live theater. The 79th edition of the awards [1] continues the tradition of honoring both the creative teams and the cast members who have shaped the current Broadway season.
Aduba and Criss served as the presenters for the announcement, bringing their own extensive theater backgrounds to the reveal. The industry now turns its attention to the final ceremony where the winners will be crowned.
“The nominations were released May 5, 2026”
The release of the 79th Tony Awards nominations sets the competitive landscape for the 2026 Broadway season. By narrowing the field in key categories like Best Musical, the industry establishes the commercial and critical benchmarks for success, which often influences ticket sales and the longevity of touring productions.
