Here’s Who Should Win at the 2025 Tony Awards

From Nicole Scherzinger to Cole Escola, here’s who actually deserves to win at the 78th Annual Tony Awards according to a Broadway expert.

Theater fans, prepare yourselves—because the 78th Annual Tony Awards are shaping up to be the most dramatic yet. With heated debates already brewing online and fandoms fiercely backing their faves, the stage is set for a wildly unpredictable night. But if you ask Maxwell Losgar, senior entertainment director at Cosmopolitan, the winners should be crystal clear—and he’s not holding back.

After seeing every eligible show this Broadway season (minus Othello, which wasn’t nominated), Losgar has laid out his top picks for who deserves to walk away with Tony gold. From powerhouse performances to emotional gut-punches, here’s his expert breakdown on the actors that truly earned their spot in the spotlight.

Best Leading Actor in a Play: Cole Escola, Oh, Mary!

Losgar makes it known—Cole Escola is in a league of their own. Playing a wildly unhinged version of Mary Todd Lincoln in the self-written dark comedy Oh, Mary!, Cole delivers a performance that’s both hilarious and historic. While George Clooney may be breaking box office records in Good Night, and Good Luck, Losgar argues Clooney’s turn is flat and overly reliant on star power. Escola, meanwhile, is redefining what Broadway comedy can be.

Best Leading Actress in a Play: Sarah Snook, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Sarah Snook (yes, Shiv from Succession) commands the stage in The Picture of Dorian Gray, playing all 26 roles with shocking precision. From seamless costume changes to split-second character flips, Snook’s performance is technically demanding and emotionally rich. According to Losgar, this is the kind of transformative acting that should land her a Tony—and possibly bring her closer to EGOT status.

Best Leading Actor in a Musical: Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending

In a musical so original it defies comparison, Darren Criss stuns as Oliver, a retired robot grappling with love and obsolescence. Losgar praises his vocal talent, physical comedy, and total transformation, saying Criss disappears completely into the character. His only complaint? The costume designer’s choice of hideous blue pants.

Best Leading Actress in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger, Sunset Blvd.

This is where it gets really juicy. Losgar is Team Nicole Scherzinger all the way, calling her portrayal of Norma Desmond a career-defining performance. He’s so obsessed, he’s seen her in Sunset Blvd. five times. Her biggest competition? The legendary Audra McDonald in Gypsy. But Losgar isn’t buying the hype—he says Audra is miscast, vocally strained, and being propped up by her six-Tony legacy. He also shouts out Jasmine Amy Rogers in BOOP! The Musical as another real contender.

Best Featured Actor in a Play: Glenn Davis, Purpose

Glenn Davis brings heartbreaking complexity to the role of ex-con Junior in Purpose. Losgar not only praises Davis’s performance, but also his behind-the-scenes work bringing the show from Chicago to Broadway. While names like Bob Odenkirk and Francis Jue are major threats, Davis gets the edge for delivering both impact and authenticity.

Best Featured Actress in a Play: Fina Strazza, John Proctor Is the Villain

At just 19, Fina Strazza is commanding attention as Beth Powell—a lovable, layered character audiences can’t get enough of. Losgar was blown away by the way she balanced humor, vulnerability, and growth. Her performance in Broadway’s most Tony-nominated play is wise beyond her years.

Best Featured Actor in a Musical: Taylor Trensch, Floyd Collins

Losgar admits he was torn—until he saw Taylor Trensch as reporter Skeets Miller. In an otherwise meandering show, Trensch is the heartbeat, delivering quiet comedic genius and emotional depth. Though Danny Burstein might be the favorite, Losgar is sticking with Taylor.

Best Featured Actress in a Musical: Natalie Venetia Belcon, Buena Vista Social Club

All the nominees here are strong, but Natalie Venetia Belcon stands out for her spirited, powerful portrayal of Cuban icon Omara Portuondo. Losgar says her voice, energy, and passion light up the stage—and hopes her first Tony nomination finally turns into a win.

With such fierce talent across the board, anything could happen when the Tonys go live. But if Broadway were ruled by pure performance over politics, these are the names we’d hear called on June 8.

The 78th Annual Tony Awards will air live on CBS at 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 8, and will also stream on Paramount+ for Showtime subscribers, with on-demand access the next day for Paramount+ Essential subscribers.