On June 7, 2026, the 79th Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall celebrated Broadway’s biggest triumphs, with the Apple‑originated musical Schmigadoon! taking Best New Musical and veteran actor John Lithgow becoming the oldest winner of a competitive acting Tony. The ceremony also highlighted a rare Pulitzer‑Tony double for Bess Wohl’s play Liberation and a sweeping revival of Ragtime.

Schmigadoon! clinches Best New Musical and completes Apple’s unofficial EGOT

The Apple TV series‑turned‑stage production won Best New Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical, as reported by the award‑show brief. Creator Cinco Paul, whose series was cancelled after two seasons, finally saw his work honored on Broadway, a redemption arc that underscores the growing synergy between streaming platforrms and live theatre.

Producer Lorne Michaels accepted the award, noting that “sometimes singing , dancing, jokes and a happy ending are all you need.” The win also gave Apple a de‑facto studio EGOT, adding a Tony to its existing Emmy wins for Ted Lasso and The Studio, an Oscar for CODA, and a Grammy linked to Chris Stapleton’s contribution to the F1 soundtrack.

John Lithgow makes history as the oldest competitive acting winner at 80

John Lithgow earned his third Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Play for portraying Roald Dahl in Giant, making him the oldest man ever to win a competitive acting award at the Tonys. In his acceptance speech, Lithgow reflected on a 53‑year span between his first and latest wins, saying the moment “has got to be one of the best.”

According to the ceremony report, Lithgow’s performance tackled the controversial aspects of Dahl’s legacy, highlighting the theatre’s role in re‑examining cultural icons .

Liberation joins elite list of Pulitzer‑Tony double winners

Bess Wohl’s Liberation secured Best New Play, marking the fourth time a woman has won the category and the 18th instance of a play winning both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony in the same year.. The play , set in 1970s Ohio, dramatizes a consciousness‑raising women’s group confronting misogyny, racism, and gender norms.

Wohl’s acceptance speech honored women’s voices, thanking her mother, daughters, and female produecrs, and urging “all the girls out there… to speak your truth.” The win reinforces a broader trend of feminist narratives gaining mainstream recognition on Broadway.

Ragtime revival sweeps multiple design and performance awards

The revival of Ragtime captured Best Revival of a Musical and earned accolades for lighting, scenic, and sound design , reflecting the production’s ambitious portrayal of an America reshaped by immigration and racial tension. Caissie Levy, known for originating Elsa in Frozen, won her first Tony for playing the matriarch of a wealthy suburban family.

Joshua Henry, a four‑time nominee, finally received his first Tony for the role of Coalhouse Walker Jr ., emphasizing in his speech that “every artist… fights to be heard.”

Who still remains unrecognized? Gaps in the night’s diversity tally

While the ceremony highlighted several historic firsts, the source did not disclose the racial or ethnic breakdown of the winners,leaving unanswered whether the awards reflected broader industry diversity goals. Additionally, the report omitted any mention of nominations for emerging playwrights of color, a point that critics may continue to press.