Style-spotting on the 2023 Tony Awards red carpet

Amid a history-making Tony Awards, major style statements were also being made on the event's red carpet.

The haze over New York City may have still been clearing on Sunday night, but it was difficult not to think of blue skies and sunshine while watching the 2023 Tony Awards. Not only did the annual celebration of Broadway’s finest result in two groundbreaking wins for nonbinary actors Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee, but the event’s red (ahem, pink) carpet was awash in saturated blues and golden yellows, a welcome reminder of sunny skies ahead.

Newell and Ghee were but two of the event’s stars to stun in shades of blue and gold. Late-night talk host and nominated “Some Like it Hot” playwright Amber Ruffin, “Ghosts” star Danielle Pinnock, and 2023 nominees Crystal Lucas-Perry (“Ain’t No Mo”) and NaTasha Yvette Williams (“Some Like it Hot”) also embraced the vibrant hues. But perhaps the biggest standout was Emmy winner and former Tony nominee Uzo Aduba, who chose a glorious goldenrod to debut her pregnancy on the Tonys step-and-repeat.

Actor Uzo Aduba
Uzo Aduba attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City.
(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Aduba was also at the forefront of another Tonys fashion trend; this year, men weren’t the only ones rocking stylish suits on the red carpet. In addition to Aduba’s linen suit and matching bra top by Christian Siriano, Lupita Nyong’o put a sculptural spin on tuxedo dressing, replacing the typical dress shirt with a metallic breastplate cast from her own torso by Pakistani artist and fashion designer Misha Japanwala, a look Nyong’o called “a shameless out-of-body experience.” Topping off the look, the Oscar winner’s shaven head was stenciled with a patterned design.

Conversely, as is befitting Pride Month, dresses also crossed the gender binary on the red carpet. Newell accepted their history-making Best Featured Actor award for “Shucked” in a glittering, draped, off-the-shoulder gold gown by Christian Siriano. Accepting Best Lead Actor in a Musical for “Some Like It Hot,” Ghee was once again a showstopper in a dramatic, high-collared cerulean gown and hi-top fade-inspired updo.

Several Black designers also made an impact at this year’s Tony Awards. “Project Runway” alum turned American Theatre Wing Board of Trustees Chair Emilio Sosa was notably a two-time 2023 nominee for Best Costume Design in a Play for “Ain’t No Mo'” and “Good Night, Oscar.” Designers Sergio Hudson and Jason Rembert of AliĂ©tte were on the red carpet in stylish spirit, dressing “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star and Tony-nominated producer Kandi Burruss and 2022 Best Actress in a Musical Joaquina Kalukango, respectively.

Who else made a dramatic statement at the 2023 Tony Awards? Cruise through our gallery below to see all the Black style stars!

J. Harrison Ghee

J. Harrison Ghee attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Alex Newell

Alex Newell attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong’o attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Lupita Nyong'o

Lupita Nyong’o attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

LaTanya Richardson and Samuel L. Jackson

(Left to right) LaTanya Richardson and Samuel L. Jackson attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Danielle Pinnock

Danielle Pinnock attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Amber Ruffin

Amber Ruffin attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Corey Hawkins and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

(Left to right) Corey Hawkins and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Crystal Lucas-Perry

Crystal Lucas-Perry attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Todd Tucker, Kandi Burruss and Riley Burruss

(Left to right) Todd Tucker, Kandi Burruss and Riley Burruss attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Common

Common attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Natasha Yvette Williams

Natasha Yvette Williams attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Kara Young

Kara Young attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Myles Frost

Myles Frost attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Celia Rose Gooding and LaChanze

(Left to right) Celia Rose Gooding and LaChanze attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Stephen Henderson

Stephen Henderson attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Denée Benton

Denée Benton attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Emilio Sosa

American Theatre Wing Board of Trustees Chair Emilio Sosa attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Antwayn Hopper

Antwayn Hopper attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Suzan-Lori Parks

Suzan-Lori Parks, winner of the award for Best Revival of a Play for “Topdog/Underdog,” poses in the press room during The 76th Annual Tony Awards at Radio Hotel on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Kenny Leon

Kenny Leon attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Joaquina Kalukango

Joaquina Kalukango performs onstage during The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Jeremy O. Harris

Jeremy O. Harris attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Wayne Brady and Maile Masako Brady

(Left to right) Wayne Brady and Maile Masako Brady attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers and CJ Uzomah

(Left to right) Aaron Rodgers and CJ Uzomah attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

RK Russell

RK Russell attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Justin Cooley

Justin Cooley attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Sade Lythcott and Jonathan McCrory

(Left to right) Sade Lythcott and Jonathan McCrory attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Joseph Anthony Byrd

Joseph Anthony Byrd attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Sharon Washington

Sharon Washington attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Marvet Britto

Marvet Britto attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

James Ijames

James Ijames attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Lorna Courtney

Lorna Courtney attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Tamara Tunie

Tamara Tunie attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Pierce attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Bryan Carter

Bryan Carter attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Tomé Cousin

Tomé Cousin attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Debra Martin Chase

Debra Martin Chase attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Adrianna Hicks

Adrianna Hicks attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Jordan Donica

Jordan Donica attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Tavon Olds-Sample

Tavon Olds-Sample attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Calvin Leon Smith

Calvin Leon Smith attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)

Dominique Fawn Hill and Delta Major

(Left to right) Dominique Fawn Hill and Delta Major attend The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Allan K. Washington

Allan K. Washington attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

Eric Emauni

Eric Emauni attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

J. Harrison Ghee

J. Harrison Ghee attends The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Dominik Bindl/Getty Images)


TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. TheGrio’s Black Podcast Network is free too. Download theGrio mobile apps today! Listen to ‘Writing Black‘ with Maiysha Kai.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: