Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Tony Awards 2025: George Clooney's Heartfelt Chat with Oprah and a Star-Studded Reunion!

The 2025 Tony Awards lit up screens across the world on Sunday - but it was the drama behind the scenes that really set tongues wagging - George Clooney was seen having an intense chat with Oprah and Gayle King

Tony Awards 2025: The Night of Shocking Snubs, Sizzling Romances, and Show-Stopping Performances

Last night's Tony Awards ceremony was a whirlwind of excitement, drama, and glamour as the crème de la crème of Broadway gathered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. While the winners took home the coveted awards, the real story was the juicy gossip and behind-the-scenes intrigue that had tongues wagging throughout the night.

The evening's hostess with the mostest, Cynthia Erivo, set the tone for a spectacular night, but it was the drama surrounding snubbed nominee George Clooney that stole the show. The Oscar-winning actor, 64, who sported his signature silver locks once again, looked somber as he engaged in an intense conversation with none other than media mogul Oprah Winfrey, 70. Clutching onto Clooney's hand, Oprah beamed with animated enthusiasm, while Gayle King, 70, watched intently from the side.

The trio later struck a pose during a pause in their chat

Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves and Glenn Close rekindled their romance in the green room, reminiscing about their iconic roles in Dangerous Liaisons 37 years ago. The chemistry between them was palpable as they chatted with ease, with Close looking stunning in black and Reeves dashing in a sleek black suit.

However, not everyone was feeling the love. Nicole Scherzinger's emotional acceptance speech for her first-ever Broadway honor had tears streaming down her face as she thanked her fiancé, Thom Evans, for believing in her when she doubted herself. Her win for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Sunset Boulevard marked a triumphant moment for the singer-actress.

Another standout performer was Darren Criss, who won his first Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his electrifying performance in Maybe Happy Ending. The play itself took home the top honor for Best Musical, with its poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and mortality through the lens of two "Helperbots."

Elsewhere Keanu Reeves and Glenn Close enjoyed a Dangerous Liaisons reunion, 37 years after starring in the iconic film

But not everyone was celebrating. George Clooney's shocking snub for Best Actor in a Play had tongues wagging throughout the evening. Losing to Cole Escola, 38, who used they/them pronouns, for their critically acclaimed performance in Oh, Mary! , which they wrote and starred in, left many wondering what could have been.

Other notable moments included Sarah Snook's impressive win as Best Leading Actress in a Play for her tour-de-force performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray, where she played all 26 characters. Her Broadway debut marked an unforgettable moment for the Succession star.

In a nod to the stars' personal lives, it was revealed that Keanu Reeves has been spending quality time with his long-time friend and co-star Glenn Close, sparking rumors of a possible romance. While neither party has confirmed anything, their chemistry on screen is undeniable.

The pair looked in great spirits as they chatted in the green room, with Close, 78, looking chic in black

The 2025 Tony Awards also marked a milestone for several shows, including Maybe Happy Ending , which took home the coveted award for Best Musical. Its poignant exploration of love, loneliness, and mortality through the lens of two "Helperbots" left audiences in awe.

In addition to the show-stopping performances and heartwarming moments, the evening's nominees included some surprising omissions. George Clooney's snub for Best Actor in a Play was particularly egregious, given his critically acclaimed performance in Good Night, And Good Luck .

As the night drew to a close, one thing was clear: the 2025 Tony Awards will be remembered as a night of shocking snubs, sizzling romances, and show-stopping performances that left everyone talking.

A sobbing Nicole Scherzinger, 46, accepted her first ever Broadway honor at the star-studded 78th Annual Tony Awards, held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sunday

The Winners

Best Musical: Maybe Happy Ending

Best Revival of a Play: Eureka Day

The Pussycat Dolls singer, 46, teared up after winning the Best Leading Actress in a Musical award, for her performance of aging Hollywood star Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, based on the 1950 film noir of the same name by Billy Wild

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Cole Escola for Oh, Mary!

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Sarah Snook for The Picture of Dorian Gray

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Kara Young for Purpose

George Clooney, 64 — who was nominated for Good Night, And Good Luck — was shockingly snubbed

Best Direction of a Play: Sam Pinkleton for Oh, Mary!

Best Book of a Musical: Will Aronson and Hue Park for Maybe Happy Ending

Best Scenic Design of a Play: Miriam Buether and 59 for Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Best Costume Design of a Play: Marg Horwell for The Picture of Dorian Gray

Best Lighting Design of a Play: Jon Clark for Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Best Sound Design of a Play: Paul Arditti for Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Best Choreography: Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck for Buena Vista Social Club

Best Play: Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

Best Revival of a Musical: Sunset Blvd.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger for Sunset Boulevard

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Natalie Venetia Belcon for Buena Vista Social Club

Best Direction of a Musical: Michael Arden for Maybe Happy Ending

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: Will Aronson, Hue Park, and Will Aronson for Maybe Happy Ending

Best Orchestrations: Marco Paguia for Buena Vista Social Club

Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Dane Laffrey and George Reeve for Maybe Happy Ending

Best Costume Design of a Musical: Paul Tazewell for Death Becomes Her

Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Jack Knowles for Sunset Boulevard

Best Sound Design of a Musical: Jonathan Deans for Buena Vista Social Club