Nicole Schörtzinger Shines at 2025 Tony Awards
Nicole Schörtzinger has made quite the mark as she clinched the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 2025 Tony Awards, which took place on June 8. This victory is particularly notable as she triumphed over the famed six-time winner, Audra McDonald.
At 46, Schörtzinger captivated audiences with her portrayal of Norma Desmond, a once-glamorous silent film star, in the revival of “Sunset Boulevard,” directed by Jamie Lloyd.
As she accepted her award, Schörtzinger expressed her gratitude with a heartfelt statement: “I always felt like I wasn’t part of, but you all made me feel like I belong to you and finally got home.”
Previously, Schörtzinger earned the Lawrence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2024 for her performances. Just a month ahead of her Tony nomination, she reflected on her promising Broadway journey.
“I’m tired of gratitude. My heart is completely full,” she shared during an interview back then. “Never give up because you don’t know when the time will come. I’m very grateful now.”
Recounting a moment with a close friend, she reminisced, “Baby. I can’t believe it. This is what we had dreamed of. I can’t wait to talk to mom.” Despite her success as a Pussycat Doll from 2003 to 2010, she has long harbored aspirations of shining on Broadway.
In a nostalgic Instagram video shared months prior, she reflected on her childhood dreams, saying, “Growing up, I thought I would do that. I’d be on that side of the street, not this side of the street. But I’ll go home someday.”
Now with her Tony win, she connects this moment back to her aspirations and the narrative of her character in “Sunset Boulevard.” “As Norma Desmond put it, ‘I’m coming back to where I was born. At first glance, I’ll be me. Finally going home.'” Schörtzinger remarked that many might not see this deeper side of her, noting, “They’re used to my pop star side with Pussycat Dolls. But this is home for me. I wouldn’t have been able to seek a better dream role.”
In discussing her role as Norma, she conveyed, “It’s interesting to play Norma Desmond. Where does she start, where does she begin? Don’t hold your breath.” This sentiment highlights her desire to share her artistry wholeheartedly.
Wrapping up her thoughts, Schörtzinger praised her team, saying, “I’m very proud of everyone in this production. Because we’re all together.”
With a total of seven nominations, “Sunset Boulevard” led this year’s Tony nominations for musical revivals. Theater critic Johnny Oleksinski from the Post lauded Schörtzinger’s dynamic performance in a glowing four-star review when the show debuted in October.
His praise? “This show belongs to Schørtzinger, and she excels particularly at embodying Norma.” He elaborated on her confidence and fierce ambition, setting her apart in the production.
The competition for Best Actress in a Musical was fierce this year, with other nominees including Audra McDonald for “Gypsy,” Jennifer Simard for “Death is She,” Megan Hilty for “Death is She,” and Jasmine Amy Rogers for “Boop! Betty Boop Musical.”
