George Clooney scores 2025 Tony Award nod, but Denzel Washington, Kieran Culkin snubbed

The 2025 Tony Award nominations have been announced, and they are filled with exciting surprises and snubs. This season, we saw a mix of movie and television stars making their Broadway debuts, with some earning nominations and others being left out in the cold.

Three Broadway shows stood out with leading 10 Tony nominations each: Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending. These shows showcased the incredible talent and creativity of the Broadway community, earning well-deserved recognition.

George Clooney, known for his work in film, received a nomination for his role as legendary reporter Edward R. Murrow in a play adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck. Sarah Snook, from the hit TV show Succession, earned a nomination for playing all 26 parts in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Bob Odenkirk also snagged a nod for his role in the revival of Glengarry Glen Ross.

However, some fan favorites like Denzel Washington and Kieran Culkin were surprisingly left out of the nominations for their roles in theatrical productions. Despite their stellar performances, they did not make the cut this time around.

One of the biggest surprises was the lack of nominations for the star-studded production of Othello, featuring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal. With top-tier talent and high ticket prices, many were shocked to see this show overlooked in the nominations.

Audra McDonald, a Broadway powerhouse, received her 11th Tony nomination for her role in Gypsy. McDonald already holds the record for the most Tonys by a performer, and she is now vying for a seventh win. She faces tough competition from other talented actresses in the category.

In the musical categories, Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, Maybe Happy Ending, and Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical are all in the running for best musical. Each show brings a unique and captivating story to the stage, showcasing the diversity and creativity of the Broadway landscape.

In the best play category, standout productions include English by Sanaz Toossi, The Hills of California by Jez Butterworth, and Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. These plays explore a range of themes and emotions, offering audiences a thought-provoking and engaging theatrical experience.

Overall, the 2025 Tony Award nominations reflect the incredible talent and innovation present in the Broadway community. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, this season promises to be one for the books. The Tony Awards ceremony will take place on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall, hosted by the talented Cynthia Erivo.