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The 2022 Tonys hosted by Broadway star Ariana Debose awarded a slate of Black talent on Sunday (June 12).
For the first time since 2019, Broadway's biggest night returned to Radio City Music Hall to recognize the industry's greatest stars. The 75th Tony Awards saw several Black stars walk away as big winners including Jennifer Hudson who achieved EGOT status.
On Sunday, Hudson snagged the Tony Award for Best Musical as a co-producer of "A Strange Loop." By walking away with the crown, Hudson is the 17th person in history to take home awards at the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys, a rare achievement known as EGOT.
The producer earned her EGOT status from her Oscar win for "Dreamgirls," her Grammy win for "A Color Purple," and her Daytime Emmy for executive producing the VR-animated film “Baby Yaga.” She now joins the ranks of John Legend, Whoopi Goldberg, and other highly acclaimed talents.
Playright Michael R. Jackson also won big for being the pen behind "A Strange Loop," which took home one of the night's most significant awards.
"I just wanted to create a little bit of a life raft for myself as a Black gay man to get through the day," Jackson said as he received a standing ovation. "...There’s so much I want to say. I’m really speechless."
For his Broadway debut, Myles Frost took home the award for Best Lead Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of music legend Michael Jackson. The "MJ" actor became the category's youngest solo winner at 22-years-old.
Joaquina Kalukango also contributed to the night's Black excellence after nabbing the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. The actress earned the honor for her role as a bar owner in "Paradise Square."
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