Drama Desk Awards 2025: ‘Boop!’, ‘Stranger Things’, ‘Dorian Gray’ Lead Wins in Historic Genderless Categories

New York, NY – The winners of the 2025 Drama Desk Awards, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence across Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway productions, were revealed today, highlighting a vibrant and diverse theatre season. The awards ceremony, a significant event in the theatrical calendar, celebrated the achievements of artists and productions from the 2024-2025 season.

Several productions distinguished themselves by receiving multiple accolades. “Boop! The Musical,” “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” each garnered three awards, signaling their significant impact on the season’s theatrical landscape.

Scope and Eligibility of the Awards

The Drama Desk Awards are unique in their comprehensive scope, considering productions that opened not only on Broadway but also across the extensive network of Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway venues during the specified 2024-2025 season. This inclusive approach provides a fuller picture of the theatrical artistry thriving throughout New York City.

Critically, the recipients of these awards are determined by a body of voters comprising theatre critics, journalists, editors, and publishers. This composition lends the Drama Desk Awards a distinct perspective, rooted in the analysis and commentary of those who regularly chronicle the theatre world.

Landmark Changes in Performance Categories

A notable and historic change marked the 2025 awards: all performance categories were designated as genderless. This evolution in recognition philosophy allowed for a broader pool of talent to be considered side-by-side, regardless of gender identity. As a direct consequence of this change, the number of nominees in these categories was effectively doubled compared to previous years. The framework also allowed for the possibility of honoring two winners in each genderless performance category.

An unprecedented outcome occurred in the category of Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, which resulted in a three-way tie, reflecting the exceptional depth of talent recognized by the voters in this expanded field.

Special Honors Bestowed

The ceremony also featured special honors acknowledging significant contributions to the theatre community. The Harold S. Prince Award for Lifetime Achievement was posthumously bestowed upon Gavin Creel, a beloved and highly respected figure whose work left an indelible mark on the stage. This award serves as a poignant tribute to his enduring legacy.

Additionally, Brian Stokes Mitchell received the William Wolf Award, recognizing his own distinguished career and impact on the theatre world. These special awards underscore the Drama Desk’s commitment to honoring not only the achievements of the current season but also the lasting impact of influential artists.

Recognized Artists and Production Leadership

While the full list of winners spans numerous categories, the announcement specifically highlighted individuals such as Deirdre O’Connell and Miriam Buether as recipients of awards, acknowledging their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

The successful execution of the 2025 Drama Desk Awards ceremony was overseen by its executive producers, Staci Levine and Jessica R. Jenen. The organization itself is led by its co-presidents, David Barbour and Charles Wright, who guide the Drama Desk’s mission to support and celebrate theatrical excellence across New York’s diverse stages.

The 2025 Drama Desk Awards underscore a dynamic period in New York theatre, marked by both artistic achievement and significant steps towards more inclusive recognition practices, reaffirming the city’s status as a global center for the performing arts.