Kara Young accepts the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play award for Purpose at the 78th Tony Awards ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall. The victory marks her second consecutive Tony win, making her one of the most celebrated performers on Broadway today. Young stepped into the media room beaming with joy and was welcomed with roaring applause from reporters and industry professionals.
Her remarkable achievement comes after four Tony nominations in just four years. The actress has become a powerhouse in theater, consistently delivering performances that resonate with audiences and critics alike. Young’s historic back-to-back wins cement her status as a leading voice in contemporary American theater.
Breaking Barriers: Young’s Historic Tony Award Journey
Young’s path to her second consecutive Tony began with her first nomination in 2022 for her role as Letitia in “Clyde’s.” The following year brought her second nomination for playing Jess in “Cost of Living.” Her breakthrough moment came in 2024 when she won her first Tony for embodying Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins in the revival of Ossie Davis’ “Purlie Victorious.”
The 2025 victory for “Purpose” demonstrates Young’s versatility and commitment to meaningful storytelling. Her four nominations in four years represent an extraordinary achievement in Broadway theater. This consistency showcases her ability to connect with diverse roles while maintaining the highest artistic standards.
Theater as Ancestral Practice: Young’s Cultural Philosophy
When asked about the driving force behind her success, Young offered a profound perspective on theater’s cultural significance. “It’s the most ancestral thing we can do,” she explained during her post-win interview. Young connects contemporary theater to traditional storytelling practices rooted in Black culture and family traditions.
“You know, sitting in your grandma’s living room, sitting in your auntie’s kitchen, there is a story to be told, and that is theater at the same time,” Young shared. She likened the theatrical experience to gathering around a fire and leaning in to listen to stories. This connection between ancestral traditions and modern theater reflects her deep understanding of performance as cultural preservation.
Purpose and Performance: Young’s Role in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Drama
Young currently stars as Aziza in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ political family drama “Purpose,” which won Best Play at the 2025 Tony Awards. Her character serves as a friend who spends an evening with the Jasper family, but her role extends far beyond casual observer. Young describes Aziza’s function as more complex than it initially appears.
“Her purpose in the play is that her literal existence, although it can appear to be a fly on the wall, is the very thing that instigates some ideologies and philosophies of life and challenges in the way of this particular world,” Young explained in a previous interview with EBONY. This nuanced performance showcases her ability to find depth in characters who might seem peripheral but prove essential to the story’s impact.
The Power of Black Storytelling on Broadway
Young’s consecutive Tony wins highlight the importance of Black voices and stories on Broadway stages. Her success comes at a time when theater increasingly recognizes the need for diverse perspectives and authentic representations. Each of her nominated roles has contributed to expanding the range of Black characters and experiences presented in mainstream theater.
Her work spans different genres and time periods, from contemporary dramas to classic revivals. This versatility demonstrates how Black performers can excel across various theatrical traditions while bringing their unique perspectives to each role. Young’s achievements inspire other Black artists to pursue excellence in theater.
Honoring Tradition While Creating New Legacies
The actress views her success as part of a continuum connecting past and present theatrical traditions. “The driving force is the stories. There are so many stories to be told, and I hope I have the honor to tell a few of them,” Young reflected. This philosophy drives her selection of roles and her approach to character development.
Young’s perspective on theater as ancestral practice connects her work to broader cultural traditions. She sees performance as a way to honor the storytelling heritage passed down through generations of Black families and communities. Her Tony wins validate this approach and demonstrate its power to move audiences.
Impact Beyond Awards: Young’s Influence on Contemporary Theater
Young’s back-to-back Tony victories represent more than personal achievement—they signal a shift in Broadway’s recognition of Black excellence. Her success opens doors for other performers while proving that authentic storytelling resonates with audiences and critics alike. The consistency of her nominations and wins demonstrates sustained excellence rather than momentary recognition.
Her approach to character development and cultural authenticity sets a standard for contemporary theater. Young’s ability to find universal themes within specifically Black experiences creates performances that speak to diverse audiences. This skill makes her one of the most sought-after performers on Broadway today.
Looking Forward: Young’s Continued Theater Legacy
With two Tony wins and four nominations in four years, Young has established herself as a defining voice in contemporary American theater. Her success with “Purpose” and previous productions demonstrates her commitment to meaningful storytelling that honors cultural traditions while engaging modern audiences. The actress continues to seek roles that challenge her artistically while contributing to important conversations.
Young’s philosophy of theater as ancestral practice suggests she will continue choosing projects that connect with deeper cultural significance. Her ability to find profound meaning in seemingly simple moments makes her an ideal interpreter of complex characters. As she continues her career, Young’s influence on Broadway and American theater will likely expand even further.
