Cole Escola Wins Best Lead Actor Tony, First Nonbinary Actor

At the 78th Tony Awards, Cole Escola won Best Leading Actor in a Play for their performance in and authorship of the critically acclaimed historical comedy "Oh, Mary!", which reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln as an aspiring cabaret star contemplating the impact of Abraham Lincoln's assassination. The play also earned Sam Pinkleton the Tony for Best Direction, with both Escola and Pinkleton celebrating the collaborative creative process behind the production and encouraging artists to trust their unique visions. Escola's acceptance speech included heartfelt shout-outs to their mother, fellow nominees including George Clooney, and a humorous nod to a Grindr date, reflecting their charismatic presence. The event featured Escola wearing a gown inspired by Bernadette Peters' 1999 Tony Awards look, complemented by a pendant honoring Laura Keene, linking to the historical context of Lincoln's assassination. Additionally, the ceremony featured a jubilant "Hamilton" reunion celebrating the musical's 10th anniversary, energizing the crowd at Radio City Music Hall. "Oh, Mary!" has been widely praised for its madcap, absurdist humor and strong performances, with Escola making their Broadway debut and the show continuing to draw enthusiastic audiences.