Kara Young Makes History at 2025 Tony Awards as ‘Purpose’ Dominates Broadway Night
The 78th Tony Awards lit up New York’s Radio City Music Hall with emotional wins and groundbreaking moments — but no one shined brighter than Kara Young.
The acclaimed actress made history Sunday night by becoming the first Black performer to win back-to-back Tony Awards, taking home the Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play trophy for her stunning performance as Aziza in Purpose.
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Young’s powerful acceptance speech left the audience breathless. “In this world where we are so divided, theater is a sacred space that we have to honor and treasure. It makes us united,” she said, holding back tears as she thanked her parents, playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, director Phylicia Rashad, and her entire cast.
Her win wasn’t the only major moment. Purpose, a riveting play about a prominent Black family confronting generational tensions during a snowed-in weekend, also won the Tony Award for Best Play. Originally debuting at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 2024, the play had already built critical buzz before its Broadway premiere.
Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins received his second consecutive Tony win, following last year’s honor for Appropriate. During his acceptance speech, he thanked Chicago and urged support for regional theaters across the country.
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Co-artistic director Glenn Davis dedicated the Best Play award to the Steppenwolf ensemble, calling them “some of the greatest artists in the country, risk takers and innovators of bold plays in the American theatrical canon.”
Young’s achievement adds another historic layer to the evening. Just last year, she won the Tony for Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. With her latest win, she solidifies her status as one of the most celebrated voices on today’s Broadway stage.
The night was packed with standout wins: Nicole Scherzinger scored her first Tony for Sunset Blvd., Cole Escola took home Best Actor in a Play for Oh, Mary!, and the Hamilton cast reunited to celebrate the show’s 10-year legacy with an unforgettable medley.
But it was Kara Young who truly defined the night — not just with her performance, but with her presence, poise, and power.