The 2024 Tony Awards brilliantly highlighted black achievement on Broadway and in the entertainment industry.
The annual awards were held on Sunday, June 16, in New York City’s David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, and it was hosted by Ariana DeBose.
In addition to Dede Ayite becoming the first black woman to win the Tony Awards for Best Costume Design of a Play, Billy Porter received a special award for his activism within the LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys surprised everyone by performing Empire State of Mind together.
The list below shows all of the black winners from the evening.
Dede Ayite
Dede Ayite made history by being the first black woman to win a Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Play.
Kecia Lewis
Kecia Lewis, who starred in Hell’s Kitchen, took home the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical award.
Maleah Joi Moon
Maleah Joi Moon also won Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance in Hell’s Kitchen.
CJay Phili
An honorary award for excellence in theater education was given to CJay Philli.
Kara Young
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play went to Kara Young for her work in Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch.
Nikiya Mathis
Nikiya Mathis was awarded for her hair and wig design and upkeep in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
The Best Revival of a Play went to Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.
Billy Porter
Billy Porter received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award in recognition of his services to the LGBTQ+ community.