The 2025 Tony Awards were filled with standout performances, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and unforgettable fashion moments. Host Cynthia Erivo brought plenty of glamour to the stage, but one of the night’s most memorable looks came from Cole Escola—who also delivered one of the night’s biggest wins.
Escola took home the Tony Award for Best Actor, earning a standing ovation at Radio City Music Hall and in living rooms filled with theatre fans across the country. Their emotional acceptance speech and striking red carpet look quickly became highlights of the evening.
Escola wore an off-the-shoulder gown in a silvery-blue hue, styled with a voluminous curly updo and shimmering eye makeup. At first glance, the look felt straight out of a fairy tale, evoking classic Disney princess style. But the inspiration ran deeper. The outfit was a tribute to Broadway legend Bernadette Peters, specifically the look Peters wore when she won her Tony for Annie Get Your Gun in 1999.
Escola’s auburn curls closely mirrored Peters’s hairstyle, while the gown echoed hers in both shape and embellishment. Designed with silver glass beads, faceted crystals, and metal sequins arranged in a cascading ornamental motif, the dress paid homage to Peters’s medal-studded original and symbolized the passage of time.
Even Escola’s manicure followed the theme. Each nail was painted a matching blue and covered in crystals, with a crystal bow detail at the base—a modern touch on a vintage-inspired tribute.
With this win and unforgettable appearance, Cole Escola not only honored a Broadway legend but cemented their own place among them.
