Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, who has been earning awards left and right, will help hand them out later this year, after being announced as the host of this year’s Tony Awards.
It’s a stage the actress knows well, having presented an award in 2024 and won a Tony in 2016, for her work in the Broadway musical version of The Colour Purple.
“I am so proud and excited to take on this glorious honour,” Erivo said of her new hosting gig in a statement.
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“I am looking forward to ushering the theatre community at large through a night that celebrates the wonderful performances we have witnessed throughout the year.
“I hope I can rise to the occasion.”
Erivo has a Golden Globe, a SAG Award, two BAFTAs and three Academy Award nominations – including one for her work in the movie musical Wicked.
If the 38-year-old picks up an Oscar at the March 2 ceremony, she’ll become the youngest performer to earn elite EGOT status, having already won a Grammy, Emmy and a Tony.
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The announcement of Erivo as Tonys host comes on the heels of the news she’s been cast in the title role of a production of Jesus Christ Superstar at a Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
The production will run for just three days, from August 1-3.
Erivo previously played the role of Mary Magdalene in the 2020 concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar, She is Risen, which featured an all-female cast.
“Cynthia is a remarkable talent and with her deep roots in the theatre community, we are honoured to have her host this year’s Tony Awards on CBS,” Mackenzie Mitchell, vice president of specials at CBS, said in a statement about Erivo hosting.
“With her innate creativity and captivating presence, there is no doubt she will deliver an unforgettable evening highlighting the extraordinary achievements of this Broadway season.”
The Tonys are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, which echoed similar praise for their host.
“Through performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia has extended the magic of musical theatre to millions of new fans around the globe — and that is exactly the mission of the Tony Awards,” Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing and Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League, said in a joint statement.
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Nominations for this year’s Tony Awards will be announced on May 1 ahead of the ceremony at Radio City Music Hall in New York on June 8.
The awards show will air live on CBS in the US and stream globally, including in Australia, on Paramount+.
– Reported with Associated Press and CNN.
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