2016 Tony Awards

The 2016 Tony Awards brought the New York theater community together to celebrate Broadway’s best and brightest. Held only hours after the tragedy in Orlando had unfolded, the ceremony served as an emotional reminder of the healing power of the arts.

Theatrical juggernaut Hamilton won 11 of its historic 16 nominations. Of course, given that it has been one of Broadway’s strongest seasons to date, many other outstanding plays and musicals were honored as well.

2016 Tony Awards: Costume Design

Though we might be a tad biased, our favorite categories are the two Best Costume Design awards (which also include hair/makeup). And this year’s crop of nominees was certainly impressive. In the end, Paul Tazewell won the coveted Best Costume Design for a Musical for his brilliant work on Hamilton. It was Tazewell’s first win and sixth nomination. Additionally, Clint Ramos won Best Costume Design of a Play for his meticulously detailed work on Eclipsed. He expressed gratitude for his unbelievable female collaborators, referring to the all-female cast, as well as the playwright and director.

2016 Tony Awards: Trivia and Memorable Moments

The biggest winner of the night, Hamilton now becomes the second most awarded show in Broadway history. It’s one trophy shy of the record held by The Producers (12).

For the very first time, all four musical acting awards went to people of color. Three of Hamilton’s biggest stars – Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry and Daveed Diggs – took top honors in their respective categories as did The Color Purple’s Cynthia Erivo.

Jessica Lange won her first Tony award (Best Actress in a Play) for her mesmerizing work as Mary Tyrone in the revival of Long Day’s Journey into Night. Lange has an amazing award history – she’s previously garnered two Oscars and three Emmys.

Accepting the award for Best Score, Lin-Manuel Miranda brought many attendees to tears. He wrote a sonnet that referenced the Orlando massacre and spoke of the power of love. He finished by saying “Fill the world with music, love and pride.”

After a 46-year absence, Barbra Streisand returned to the Tonys to present the award for Best Musical (which, as we all know, went to Hamilton). Streisand also took a moment to reflect on the earlier tragedy. She solemnly stated, “Tonight our joy is tinged with sorrow. But we’re here to celebrate Broadway and the beauty that artistry can bring into this world…Art can entertain us and educate us and at times like this, console us.”

Congratulations to all the winners, nominees and theater professionals who share their talent and their stories night after night!

Full list of winners.

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