Hot off her Oscar win for being the best part of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Ariana DeBose has signed on to host the 75th Annual Tony Awards. The 2022 ceremony marks Ariana DeBose’s first time as host, however, DeBose is a Tony Awards nominee. In 2018, DeBose earned a Tony Award nomination in the Best Featured Actress in a Musical category for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
Nominees for the 2022 Tony Awards will be announced on Monday, May 9, 2022 by Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren and Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry. 2022’s awards recognize the best of Broadway’s 2021-2022 season.
“I’m coming home! I’m so honored to celebrate 75 years of excellence in theater, but more importantly every member of this community who poured themselves into making sure the lights of Broadway have the opportunity to shine brightly once again! This is a dream come true, and I’m excited to see you all on June 12,” said Ariana DeBose.
The 75th-anniversary celebration will be broadcast live on both coasts for the very first time. The Tony Awards will air on CBS on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
“We are thrilled to have Ariana DeBose, who has captivated audiences with her inspirational roles on stage and in film and television, host this year’s Tony Awards,” said Jack Sussman, executive vice president of specials, music, live events and alternative programming, CBS. “After the challenging last two years, there is no one better to bring the theater community together on this important night honoring the best of Broadway and share the joys of live performing once again than this extraordinarily talented artist.”
“The 75th Tony Awards celebration is a big moment for all of us in the theater community, and in Ariana we have found the perfect host to lead this celebration,” said Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League. “We can’t wait to see Ariana take the stage on June 12 and dazzle, inspire and entertain us.”
Glenn Weiss is on board as director and executive producer. Ricky Kirshner also executive produces. The show is produced by Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, and White Cherry Entertainment.
Ariana DeBose’s credits include playing Anita in Spielberg’s West Side Story which earned her an Oscar, BAFTA, Critics Choice, and SAG Award. DeBose also was part of the original Hamilton cast and had roles on stage in A Bronx Tale, Pippin, Motown the Musical, Bring It On: The Musical, and Company.
DeBose recently finished work on the feature films Argvlle and ISS, and is currently filming Kraven the Hunter with Russell Crowe.
