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Carnegie Mellon University's Alumni Shine Bright at the Tony Awards

In an exhilarating announcement on May 1st, 2025, five distinguished alumni from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) were recognized with a remarkable total of 13 nominations for the 78th Annual Tony Awards. The awards celebrate excellence in Broadway theater, and this year more CMU graduates are contributing to the stage both in front and behind the scenes than ever before.

The Tony Awards announced their nominations during a live stream on CBS Mornings, showcasing the prestigious accolades that CMU alumni have garnered over the years. This year marks the 16th consecutive year where graduates of CMU's School of Drama have been honored with nominations, continuing a proud tradition of excellence and artistry.

Notable Nominations

The nominees from CMU include:

• - Megan Hilty (2004) for her leading role in Death Becomes Her, competing for the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical.
• - Natalie Venetia Belcon (1991) for her featured role in Buena Vista Social Club, contending for the Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical category.
• - Peter Hylenski (1997) has two nominations for his exceptional sound design work in both Just in Time and Maybe Happy Ending, vying for Best Sound Design of a Musical.
• - Renowned producer Jamie DeRoy (1967) is nominated across multiple categories for her productions: John Proctor is the Villain, The Hills of California, Buena Vista Social Club, Dead Outlaws, Operation Mincemeat A New Musical, Gypsy, and Sunset Boulevard.
• - Additionally, Ankit Agrawal (2014) received nominations as a producer for Operation Mincemeat A New Musical and Buena Vista Social Club, both vying for the Best Musical award.

These nominations not only exemplify the depth of talent that emerges from CMU but also highlight the university’s significant role in shaping the future of theater. CMU President Farnam Jahanian expressed excitement about the accolades, acknowledging the alumni's contributions that continue to redefine theater art and education.

A Rich History of Liberty and Creativity

With 64 Tony Awards won by its alumni to date, Carnegie Mellon's School of Drama, the first degree-granting drama program in the United States, celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2024. CMU has served as a breeding ground for both contemporary and classical talent, fostering creativity through rigorous training and exceptional faculty.

Among the festivities on June 8th, CMU will also participate in the presentation of the Excellence in Theatre Education Award. This honor recognizes the substantial impact that a K-12 theater teacher has had on students, emphasizing the importance of education in the arts. The award winner, chosen from a nationwide search in partnership with the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, will be revealed prior to the award ceremony.

Host and Broadway Highlights

The grandeur of the 78th Annual Tony Awards will be hosted by Cynthia Erivo, an acclaimed performer known for her breathtaking work across various mediums including theater and film. Erivo, a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony award winner, has recently starred in Wicked, further proving her artistic prowess.

The Tony Awards, aired by CBS, are a celebration of the remarkable talents and creativity that enliven Broadway. As the industry prepares for this seminal event, the anticipation grows around the extraordinary achievements of not just CMU alums but all nominees in this year’s award spectrum. For more insights and information on CMU and its involvement with the Tony Awards, please visit cmu.edu.

As Broadway continues to transform, the influence of CMU graduates remains profound, urging new generations to pursue their passions in the arts and sustaining the light of creativity and storytelling.