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The 78th Tony Awards air Sunday night at 8 p.m. The best and brightest of Broadway will be honored for their talents in singing, acting, dancing and more.It's a tall task for the 62 theater professionals serving on the 2024-25 Tony Awards Nominating Committee. The shows from this season collectively grossed nearly $2 billion in revenue from 14.7 million tickets sold in New York City. According to Playbill, this was the highest-grossing season in Broadway history. This year's Tony Awards look to be the most highly contested in recent memory, with few clear-cut winners in any category.The Tonys will be hosted by Cynthia Erivo, who recently played Elphaba in the movie adaption of the musical "Wicked." Erivo earned a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for playing Celie in the 2016 revival of "The Color Purple." In a hard-to-predict race for a Tony, here is what we think will be taking home awards Sunday evening.The predictions were made by Matthew Peaslee, a copy editor for Hearst Television’s National Desk, and a big-time Broadway buff.Best Play"English""The Hills of California""John Proctor is the Villain""Oh, Mary!""Purpose"Our prediction: “Oh, Mary!”This dark comedy is about a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism, and suppressed desires abound in this 80-minute one-act play. It might just be one of the funniest plays to hit Broadway in recent memory. Best Musical"Buena Vista Social Club""Dead Outlaw""Death Becomes Her""Maybe Happy Ending""Operation Mincemeat"Our prediction: “Maybe Happy Ending”Darren Criss and Helen J. Shen star in this new musical about the small things that make any life worth living. Inside a one-room apartment in South Korea, Oliver (Criss) �� an older model robot �� lives a happily quiet life listening to jazz records and caring for his favorite plant. Claire (Shen) �� a newer model robot �� helps Oliver navigate life into the future, a future that involves friendship and love. This unique musical provides catchy tunes and an easy listening soundtrack that should live on well into the time ahead. Best Book of a MusicalMarco Ramirez, "Buena Vista Social Club"Itamar Moses, "Dead Outlaw"Marco Pennette, "Death Becomes Her"Will Aronson and Hue Park, "Maybe Happy Ending"David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoe Roberts, "Operation Mincemeat"Our prediction: Itamar Moses, “Dead Outlaw”This wildly inventive musical is about the bizarre true story of outlaw-turned-corpse-turned-celebrity Elmer McCurdy. As Elmer’s body finds even more outlandish adventures in death than it could have ever hoped for in life, the show explores his fame and failure and how to leave a legacy. The script is funny, dramatic and somehow hopeful. Best Original Score"Dead Outlaw""Death Becomes Her""Maybe Happy Ending""Operation Mincemeat""Real Women Have Curves"Our prediction: “Maybe Happy Ending”The beauty of songs such as "Why Love," "World Within My Room," and "The Way That It Has to Be" are on full display and should rightfully win this category. Best Revival of a Play"Eureka Day""Thornton Wilder's Our Town""Romeo + Juliet""Yellow Face"Our prediction: “Eureka Day”Eureka Day is a private California elementary school with a Board of Directors that values inclusion above all else—that is, until an outbreak of the mumps forces everyone in the community to reconsider the school’s liberal vaccine policy. This play only ran for two-and-a-half months, but its timely impact won over audiences right away. Best Revival of a Musical"Floyd Collins""Gypsy""Pirates! The Penzance Musical""Sunset Blvd."Our prediction: “Sunset Blvd.”A smash hit this season, Sunset Blvd. first hit the stage in 1991 based on the 1950 film. The showstopping musical first got back on its heels with a special performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., then picked up steam on the West End in London. Since returning to New York City in the fall, it has captivated audiences with a star-studded cast and dramatic scenes. Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a PlayGeorge Clooney, "Good Night, And Good Luck"Cole Escola, "Oh, Mary!"Jon Michael Hill, "Purpose"Daniel Dae Kim, "Yellow Face"Harry Lennix, "Purpose"Louis McCartney, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow"Our prediction: Cole Escola, "Oh, Mary!"This year's field of actors in Broadway plays transcended a typical season. Beyond the recognizable and handsome George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Robert Downey Jr. all led shows. But this season, a relative unknown should take home the top title. Cole Escola wrote and stars in "Oh Mary!" and his performance is one that will be remembered for a lifetime. He started out as a cabaret actor in small clubs throughout New York City but has blossomed into a star who injects so much excitement into the season with a laugh-out-loud comedy act.Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a PlayLaura Donnelly, "The Hills of California"Mia Farrow, "The Roommate" LaTanya Richardson Jackson, "Purpose"Sadie Sink, "John Proctor is the Villain"Sarah Snook, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"Our prediction: Sarah Snook, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"Sarah Snook leads the way in a show that features innovative and top-notch technology never before seen on stage. The Australian actress plays all 26 characters in an unbelievable manner. Her dramatic edge is simply jaw-dropping throughout "The Picture of Dorian Gray," which truly immerses the audience into the play. Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a MusicalDarren Criss, "Maybe Happy Ending"Andrew Durand, "Dead Outlaw"Tom Francis, "Sunset Blvd."Jonathan Gross, "Just In Time"James Monroe Iglehart, "A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical"Our prediction: Darren Criss, "Maybe Happy Ending"In what should be the most highly contested race of the evening, Darren Criss will edge out the other formidable nominees by the slightest of margins. The rise in popularity and the initial cult following for "Maybe Happy Ending" is enough to put Criss over the top. Very few actors could play the demanding role of a human robot as well as Criss does, plus his sweet-sounding voice is simply intoxicating and leaves the audience craving more of his sultry sounds. Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a MusicalMega Hilty, "Death Becomes Her"Audra McDonald, "Gypsy"Jasmine Amy Rogers, "BOOP! The Musical"Nicole Scherzinger, "Sunset Blvd."Jennifer Simard, "Death Becomes Her"Our prediction: Audra McDonald, "Gypsy"In what should be the only unanimous, sure-fire win, Broadway legend Audra McDonald will add to her lore. Unbothered by a recent controversy sparked by colleague Patti LuPone, McDonald remained classy and professional. It's her stage presence that will always be held in the highest esteem, and her performance as Rose in "Gypsy" is truly one for the ages. The fact that her name stands before the actual title of the show on the marquee should be enough to guarantee her a victory in this category. Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a PlayGlenn Davis, "Purpose"Gabriel Ebert, "John Proctor is the Villain"Francis Jue, "Yellow Face"Bob Odenkirk, "Glengarry Glen Ross"Conrad Ricamora, "Oh, Mary!"Our prediction: Gabriel Ebert, "John Proctor is the Villain"Gabriel Ebert shows his range as Mr. Smith, who is warm and kind, yet terrifying with a dark past. Ebert’s performance is compelling and deeply meaningful. The play has become a hit on Broadway as it is a retelling, modern version of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible." Ebert's acting is definitely worthy of historic praise. Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a PlayTala Ashe, "English"Jessica Hecht, "Eureka Day"Marjan Neshat, "English"Fina Strazza, "John Proctor is the Villain"Kara Young, "Purpose"Our prediction: Fina Strazza, "John Proctor is the Villain"Fina Strazza delivers another win for "John Proctor is the Villain." She is only 19, but displays the poise and stoicism of someone twice her age. Strazza has a bright future ahead of herself on the stage, and this award will make her one of the most in-demand actresses on Broadway. In a unique twist of fate, Strazza debuted on Broadway as a youngster in the title role of "Matilda." Gabriel Ebert also appeared in the 2013 production, earning a Tony win for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for portraying Mr. Wormwood. Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a MusicalBrooks Ashmanskas, "SMASH"Jeb Brown, "Dead Outlaw"Danny Burstein, "Gypsy"Jak Malone, "Operation Mincemeat" Taylor Trensch, "Floyd Collins"Our prediction: Jak Malone, "Operation Mincemeat" It may not fit the tastes of some audiences, but "Operation Mincemeat" is a classic British comedy making waves in the U.S. this season. The show delivers rip-roaring laughs, but Jak Malone singing "Dear Bill" provides a little bit of heart in an otherwise hilarious show. Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a MusicalNatalie Venetia Belcon, "Buena Vista Social Club"Julia Knitel, "Dead Outlaw"Gracie Lawrence, "Just In Time"Justina Machado, "Real Women Have Curves"Joy Woods, "Gypsy"Our prediction: Natalie Venetia Belcon, "Buena Vista Social Club"Nominated for 10 Tonys, a shoo-in to pick up at least one of those will be Natalie Venetia Belcon. From her dramatic acting as a singer reliving some painful, yet loving, memories of the past while still trying to find her purpose later in life to her beautiful vocals, she has one of the most well-rounded performances of the season. Best Scenic Design of a PlayMiriam Buether and 59, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow"Marg Horwell and David Bergman, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"Marsha Ginsberg, "English"Rob Howell, "The Hills of California"Scott Pask, "Good Night, and Good Luck"Our prediction: Marg Horwell and David Bergman, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"The uniqueness of the design and tasteful use of screens on stage make "The Picture of Dorian Gray" an obvious selection for this category. Best Scenic Design of a MusicalRachel Hauck, "Swept Away"Arnulfo Maldonaldo, "Buena Vista Social Club"Derek McLane, "Death Becomes Her"Derek McLane, "Just In Time"Dane Laffrey and George Reeve, "Maybe Happy Ending"Our prediction: Derek McLane, "Death Becomes Her"Based on the 1992 film, the stage adaption provides a stunning mix of smoke, fog and daring colors. Best Costume Design of a PlayBrenda Abbandandolo, "Good Night, and Good Luck"Marg Horwell, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"Rob Horwell, "The Hills of California"Molly Pierson, "Oh, Mary!"Brigitte Reiffenstuel, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow"Our prediction: Rob Horwell, "The Hills of California"In the sweltering heat of a 1970s summer, the Webb sisters return to their childhood home in a seaside town, where their mother is dying. The costuming sets the scene perfectly. Best Costume Design of a MusicalDede Ayite, "Buena Vista Social Club"Gregg Barnes, "BOOP! The Musical"Clint Ramos, "Maybe Happy Ending"Paul Tazewell, "Death Becomes Her"Catherine Zuber, "Just In Time"Our prediction: Paul Tazewell, "Death Becomes Her"Described by many as the most "iconic" musical of the season, "Death Becomes Her" certainly stuns the crowd with its colorful costuming. Best Lighting Design of a PlayHeather Gilbert and David Bengali, "Good Night, and Good Luck"Natasha Chivers, "The Hills of California"Jon Clark, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow"Nick Schlieper, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"Natasha Katz and Hannah Wasileski, "John Proctor is the Villain" Our prediction: Jon Clark, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow"Based on the popular Netflix series, the stage adaptation takes you right into the "upside down."Best Lighting Design of a MusicalJack Knowles, "Sunset Blvd."Tyler Micoleau, "Buena Vista Social Club"Ben Stanton, "Maybe Happy Ending"Scott Zielinski and Ruey Horng Son, "Floyd Collins"Justin Townsend, "Death Becomes Her"Our prediction: Jack Knowles, "Sunset Blvd."The dramatics of this powerful show are fully on display with the help of its lighting package. Best Sound Design of a PlayPaul Arditti, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow"Palmer Hefferan, "John Proctor is the Villain"Daniel Kluger, "Good Night, and Good Luck"Nick Powell, "The Hills of California"Clemence Williams, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"Our prediction: Daniel Kluger, "Good Night, and Good Luck"The George Clooney-led revival should take home at least one Tony and this category provides its best opportunity. Best Sound Design of a MusicalJonathan Deans, "Buena Vista Social Club"Adam Fisher, "Sunset Blvd."Peter Hylenski, "Just In Time"Peter Hylenski, "Maybe Happy Ending"Dan Moses Schreier, "Floyd Collins"Our prediction: Peter Hylenski, "Maybe Happy Ending"The unique setting of this musical provides intriguing opportunities to mix the sounds of the future, South Korea, and lovable robots. Best Direction of a PlayKnud Adams, "English"Sam Mendes, "The Hills of California"Sam Pinkleton, "Oh, Mary!"Danya Taymor, "John Proctor is the Villain"Kip Williams, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"Our prediction: Danya Taymor, "John Proctor is the Villain"This could be Danya Taymor's second consecutive Tony Award. Best Direction of a MusicalSaheem Ali, "Buena Vista Social Club"Michael Arden, "Maybe Happy Ending"David Cromer, "Dead Outlaw"Christopher Gattelli, "Death Becomes Her"Jamie Lloyd, "Sunset Blvd."Our prediction: Michael Arden, "Maybe Happy Ending"The character development in "Maybe Happy Ending" is among the best of all time, which is a big tip of the cap to its director, Michael Arden. Best Direction ChoreographyJoshua Bergasse, "SMASH"Camille A. Brown, "Gypsy"Christopher Gattelli, "Death Becomes Her"Jerry Mitchell, "BOOP! The Musical"Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, "Buena Vista Social Club"Our prediction: Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, "Buena Vista Social Club"You'll feel like you're right in Havana, Cuba, in the 1950s with the setting of this musical. What's even more stunning is the true-life dancing and spiritual movements that are on display throughout the entirety of the musical Best Orchestrations Will Aronson, "Maybe Happy Ending"Bruce Coughlin, "Floyd Collins"Marco Paguia, "Buena Vista Social Club"Andrew Resnick and Michael Thurber, "Just In Time"David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Weber, "Sunset Blvd."Our prediction: Andrew Resnick and Michael Thurber, "Just In Time"The music of Bobby Darrin, sung impeccably by Jonathan Groff, is truly memorialized in this musical.