Cynthia Erivo to Host Tony Awards

Cynthia Erivo will host the Tonys
and then play Jesus in Jesus Christ
Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl.

Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner and three-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo will host the 78th annual Tony Awards on June 8 from Radio City Music Hall and broadcast on CBS. Erivo won her Tony for the revival of The Color Purple and is currently Oscar-nominated for the film version of Wicked. She was just cast as Jesus in a three-night performance of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl (Aug. 1-3, 2025) which had led to some backlash with conservative social media users accusing her of blasphemy. 

“I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honor,” said Erivo of the Tony hosting gig. “I am looking forward to ushering the theatre community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year. I hope I can rise to the occasion.”

 “Through performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia has extended the magic of musical theater to millions of new fans around the globe — and that is exactly the mission of the Tony Awards,” said Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theater Wing and Jason Laks, President of The Broadway League. “Her talent defies gravity and boundaries, and we are beyond thrilled to welcome her home to Broadway for what will be a joyful and inspiring celebration of the theatrical artform. We hope audiences are ready to leap to their feet, cry tears of joy, and maybe even get up and dance.” 

“Cynthia is a remarkable talent and with her deep roots in the theater community, we are honored to have her host this year’s Tony Awards on CBS” said Mackenzie Mitchell, Vice President, Specials, CBS. “There is no doubt with her innate creativity and captivating presence, she will deliver an unforgettable evening highlighting the extraordinary achievements of this Broadway season.”

The Tony nominations will be announced on May 1.

Wicked Casts a Spell on NBR

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked,
winner of Best Picture from NBR

Wicked (which I just saw yesterday in IMAX), the film adaptation of the first act of the hit Broadway musical about the witches of Oz, casts a spell on the National Board of Review, winning Best Picture, Best Director (Jon M. Chu) and the NBR Spotlight Award to stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande for their creative collaboration. The National Board of Review announced its winners on Tues. Dec. 4. The awards will be presented on Jan. 7 at Ciprani 42nd Street in a gala hosted by Willie Geist on MSNBC's Morning Joe (is anyone still watching that show?) and NBC's Sunday Today. 

Founded in 1909, the NBR is composed of film enthusiasts, filmmakers, professionals, academics and students. The group's winners did not overlap much with those of the New York Film Critics Circle, announced yesterday. Only Kieran Culkin of A Real Pain won both a NYFCC and NBR award in his category, Best Supporting Actor. The NBR thespian champs are Best Actor Daniel Craig (Queer), Best Actress Nicole Kidman (Babygirl) and Best Supporting Actress Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown). NYFCC's choice for Best Picture, The Brutalist, was totally ignored by the NBR.

This win increases Wicked's chances for Oscar gold. But it's a long way to the noms for Hollywood's top prize on Jan. 17

"Wicked represents the pure magic that movies can bring to audiences. Every detail is beautifully crafted and designed, the actors are all exceptional and the music is second-to-none - together it adds up to a transporting experience like no other. The NBR is proud to honor director Jon M. Chu and his remarkable cinematic vision,” said NBR President Annie Schulhof.