The 77th edition of the Tony Awards has named its host. For the third year in a row, Tony-nominated and Oscar-winning actor Ariana DeBose will lead the ceremony, this time toasting the 2023-2024 Broadway season. The previously announced Tonys is scheduled for June 16 at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater. The show will be telecast live on CBS and Paramount+ from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. In addition to hosting duties, DeBose will serve as a producer and choreograph the show’s opening number.
Also newly announced is that CBS will again partner with Pluto TV to present the pre-show “Tony Awards: Act One,” set to feature exclusive content, including the presentation of a handful of winners leading up to the main broadcast of the 77th Tony Awards ceremony. Additional details about the pre-show will be announced.
For her achievements as host of the 75th annual Tonys, DeBose received a 2023 Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Variety Special. As an actor, DeBose earned a 2018 Tony nomination as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her turn as “Disco Donna” in “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” Her performance as Anita in the big-screen remake of “West Side Story” won her a 2022 Academy Award, as well as a Golden Globe, as Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. In addition to her Main Stem turn in “Summer,” DeBose has been seen on Broadway in “Bring It On,” “Motown,” “Pippin,” “Hamilton” and “A Bronx Tale.”
“I couldn’t pass up the chance to host the Tonys one more time at Lincoln Center,” said DeBose in a statement. “I’m excited to collaborate with the team to create an incredible celebration of this season’s achievements on Broadway for our community and for everyone at home.”
“We are incredibly honored to welcome Tony Award-nominated actress Ariana DeBose as this year’s host for Broadway’s biggest night, taking place for the first time at the iconic Lincoln Center. Ariana’s unique sense of artistry, creativity and talent continues to elevate the show and captivate nominees and viewers alike,” added Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Jason Laks, interim president of the Broadway League.
“The third time is definitely going to be a charm for a host who is as charming and insanely talented as Ariana DeBose,” said Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, executive producers for White Cherry Entertainment.
In order to be eligible for 2024 Tony nominations, new shows need to open by April 25. Nominations will be announced on April 30.
The Tony Awards are being produced in collaboration with Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, and White Cherry Entertainment, for which Kirshner and Weiss are executive producers; Weiss will serve as director.
