Guide to the 2020 Tony Awards: how to watch, nominees, and more

Here's everything you need to know about the 2020 Tony Awards.

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway. They were dimmed this year, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the 2020 Tony Awards ceremony was also put on hold as a result. But after a 15-month delay, Broadway's biggest night is finally near, and it will celebrate Broadway's long-awaited return.

Fewer productions are up for awards this year than usual due to the Broadway shutdown, which suspended all shows from Mar. 12, 2020 and prematurely ended the 2019-2020 Broadway season. Even so, there's no denying the razzamatazz of the Tony Awards, which is set to be even more poignant this year as Broadway finally comes back.

Here's our guide to the 2020 Tony Awards.

When are the Tony Awards?

The 2020 Tony Awards will take place on Sept. 26, 2021. The ceremony will be followed by a special concert celebration, The Tony Awards Present: Broadway's Back!, championing the theatre that has taken place during the pandemic. Find out more about the Tony Awards ceremony here.

Voting for the 2020 Tony Awards took place between March 1 and 15. 

What time are the Tony Awards?

The 2020 Tony Awards will be broadcast at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. After the ceremony, The Tony Awards Present: Broadway's Back! will be broadcast on CBS at 9 p.m. 

How can I watch the Tony Awards?

Audiences can watch the 2020 Tony Awards live on Paramount+. More details are available here. But, it is likely that you'll be able to keep up to date with all the events on the Tony Awards YouTube channel. The Tony Awards Present: Broadway's Back! will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+.

Where are the Tony Awards taking place?

The 2020 Tony Awards will take place at the Winter Garden Theatre. An industry viewing party for the Tony Awards was set to take place at the Broadway Theatre, but it has been canceled.

The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place at Radio City Music Hall, the unofficial home of the Tonys. Annual ceremonies have been held at Radio City Music Hall from 1997 to 2010, and again from 2013 to 2015 and 2017 to 2019, respectively. Nicknamed "The Showplace of the Nation," it's no surprise that the Tony Awards have found their home at Radio City Music Hall. Over 6,000 people can watch a performance at the New York venue.

What shows were eligible for the Tony Awards in 2020?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic causing the shutdown of Broadway's theatre, fewer shows are eligible for awards than in most years. In order to qualify for awards this season, shows had to have received their Broadway opening before Feb. 19, 2020.

Eighteen shows were eligible for the 2020 Tony Awards, including 10 original plays, 4 original musicals, and 4 play revivals. All shows are listed below:

Original Plays

A Christmas Carol
Grand Horizons
The Great Society
The Height of the Storm
The Inheritance
Linda Vista
My Name is Lucy Barton
Sea Wall/A Life
Slave Play
The Sound Inside

Original Musicals

Jagged Little Pill
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Play Revivals

A Soldier's Play
Betrayal
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
The Rose Tattoo

Find out more information about every show that's eligible for the 2020 Tony Awards with New York Theatre Guide.

Who is nominated for the 2020 Tony Awards?

The 2020 Tony Award nominations were announced on 15 October 2020. Jagged Little Pill was the most nominated show, with 15 nods, while Slave Play dominates the plays with 12 nominations. Aaron Tveit is the sole performer in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical category. 

Read the 2020 Tony Award nominations on New York Theatre Guide.

Who is receiving special 2020 Tony Awards?

At the 2020 Tony Awards, several special Tony Awards will be given to those in the Broadway community that have showcased exemplary work away from the stage. Julie Halston will be awarded the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her continued advocacy for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Read more about Julie Halston here. 

Graciela Daniele will be given the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Throughout her career, Daniele has choreographed and directed shows such as Ragtime and Once on this Island. Read more about Graciela Daniele here. 

The 2020 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre will be awarded to four people. The recipients include:

Fred Gallo: President of PRG Scenic Technologies.
Irene Gandy: Broadway press agent.
Beverly Jenkins: Stage manager.
Woodie King Jr.: New Federal Theatre founder.

Who won the 2020 Tony Awards?

Check out the complete list of winners from the ceremony, and read more about the winners' reactions to their awards on New York Theatre Guide.