Ariana DeBose Returns to Host 2024 Tony Awards

Rebecca Rubin
·2 min read
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Ariana DeBose will host the Tony Awards for the third consecutive year.

Broadway’s biggest night will take place on June 16 in New York City at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. It’s the fifth location change in five years for the Tonys, which were held in recent years at the United Palace in Washington Heights, Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre and Radio City Music Hall. The ceremony starts at 8 p.m. ET and will air live on CBS, as well as the streaming service Paramount+.

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DeBose scored an Emmy nomination for hosting last year’s Tony Awards, which were script-less in solidarity with the WGA strike. Instead of a pithy monologue, she opened the show with a dazzling dance sequence that involved her diving off the stairs at the United Palace — and into the arms of one strong dancer.

She will again spotlight her suave and spicy moves in her role as emcee. This year, she will serve as producer and choreograph the ceremony’s opening number.

“I couldn’t pass up the chance to host the Tonys one more time at Lincoln Center,” DeBose said 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.”

DeBose, an Oscar winner for “West Side Story,” received a Tony nomination of her own in 2018 for “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” Her other theater bona fides include “Hamilton,” “Bring It On: The Musical,” “A Bronx Tale” and “Pippin.”

“Ariana’s unique sense of artistry, creativity and talent continues to elevate the show and captivate nominees and viewers alike,” said Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing and Jason Laks, interim president of the Broadway League.

The 77th Tony Awards will recognize musicals and plays from the 2023-2024 season. Some of the eligible new shows and revivals include “Back to the Future,” “Water for Elephants,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” “Guttenberg! The Musical,” “Appropriate,” “Purlie Victorious” and “An Enemy of the People.” Nominations will be announced on April 30.

“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, who will produce the telecast.

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