The anticipation is palpable in the theater community as we approach the 79th annual Tony Awards, set to air live on June 7, 2026. With a diverse array of productions vying for recognition, the competition this year is particularly fierce, making predictions a complex task. The spotlight shines brightly on “Death of a Salesman” and “The Lost Boys”, both projected to take home five awards each. As the stage is set for Broadway’s biggest night, we delve into the key categories and potential winners that will define this year’s ceremony.

A Closer Look at the Top Contenders

This year’s Tony Awards nominations reflect a vibrant mix of themes and styles. Leading the pack are “The Lost Boys” and the musical adaptation of “Schmigadoon!”, both garnering a remarkable 12 nominations. Following closely is the revival of “Ragtime” with 11 nods, showcasing the enduring appeal of these productions. Meanwhile, “Death of a Salesman” emerges as the most nominated play, with nine nominations, despite facing controversy surrounding its producer, Scott Rudin, who returned to Broadway amidst allegations of misconduct.

Best Musical

The competition for Best Musical is particularly tight this year. Predictions suggest that “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)” will edge out its competitors, including “The Lost Boys”. While both productions have their strengths, “Two Strangers” is noted for its ability to resonate with audiences through its heartfelt storytelling and comedic elements. Conversely, “The Lost Boys,” a visually stunning rock musical based on the cult classic film, brings a different kind of energy to the stage.

• Will Win: “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)”
• Could Win: “The Lost Boys”
• Should Win: “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)”

Best Play

The Best Play category features a variety of compelling narratives, with “Liberation” emerging as the frontrunner. This exploration of second-wave feminism is lauded for its emotional depth and innovative storytelling. However, strong competition comes from “Giant”, which tackles complex themes of antisemitism through the lens of beloved author Roald Dahl’s life. Another noteworthy contender is “The Balusters”, a satirical take on neighborhood politics that resonates with contemporary audiences.

• Will Win: “Liberation”
• Could Win: “Giant”
• Should Win: “The Balusters”

The Impact of Revivals

Revival categories this year also promise to create significant buzz. In the Revival of a Musical category, “Ragtime” is expected to win, given its sweeping narrative and rich historical context. However, the reimagined “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” has captured attention with its innovative approach, transforming the classic into a celebration of queer identity and culture.

• Will Win: “Ragtime”
• Could Win: “Cats: The Jellicle Ball”
• Should Win: “Cats: The Jellicle Ball”

Revival of a Play

In the Revival of a Play category, “Death of a Salesman” is poised to win, thanks to its innovative direction by Joe Mantello, which presents the classic tale in a fresh light that resonates with modern audiences. The show’s ability to recontextualize familiar narratives has garnered critical acclaim, though “Oedipus” presents a formidable challenge as a strong contender.

• Will Win: “Death of a Salesman”
• Could Win: “Oedipus”
• Should Win: “Death of a Salesman”

Acting Categories: Who Will Take Home the Gold?

The acting categories this year are filled with powerhouse performances, making predictions particularly challenging. In the Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical category, Joshua Henry’s portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr. in “Ragtime” is a standout, likely securing him the win. His performance is described as a masterclass in emotional depth, showcasing his vocal prowess.

• Will Win: Joshua Henry
• Could Win: Nicholas Christopher
• Should Win: Joshua Henry

Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

For the Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, Lesley Manville’s performance in “Oedipus” has garnered overwhelming praise, making her a likely winner. Her ability to convey deep emotional nuances has captivated audiences and critics alike. However, the competition includes Susannah Flood and her remarkable dual role in “Liberation”, which could surprise voters.

• Will Win: Lesley Manville
• Could Win: Susannah Flood
• Should Win: Lesley Manville

Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

In the Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical category, Caissie Levy is expected to take home the trophy for her role in “Ragtime”. Her performance is celebrated for its emotional weight and technical skill. However, Marla Mindelle’s unique portrayal of Celine Dion in “Titanique” could also attract attention from voters.

• Will Win: Caissie Levy
• Could Win: Christiani Pitts
• Should Win: Marla Mindelle

The Final Countdown to the Tonys

As the final voting concludes on June 5, the stakes are high for all nominees. The 79th Tony Awards will air live starting at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+, featuring Pink as the host from Radio City Music Hall. With such a competitive landscape, the outcomes may surprise even the most seasoned theater aficionados.

This year’s ceremony not only celebrates outstanding performances but also reflects the evolving landscape of Broadway, where themes of identity, social justice, and personal narratives take center stage. As audiences prepare for what promises to be a memorable night, the theater community holds its breath in anticipation of the winners.

For those eager to follow the awards, pre-show coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. ET, available for free on Pluto TV. The excitement builds as fans and industry insiders alike await the announcement of winners that will shape the future of Broadway.

For more detailed predictions and analysis, check out the full predictions by Variety and Deadline.