At the Tony's nominations there are 24 categories of awards, plus several special awards. Starting with 11 awards in 1947, the names and number of categories have changed over the years. Some examples: the category Best Book of a Musical was originally called "Best Author (Musical)". The category of Best Costume Design was one of the original awards. For two years, in 1960 and 1961, this category was split into Best Costume Designer (Dramatic) and Best Costume Designer (Musical). It then went to a single category, but in 2005 it was divided again. For the category of Best Director of a Play, a single category was for directors of plays and musicals prior to 1960.
A newly established non-competitive award, The Isabelle Stevenson Award, was given for the first time at the awards ceremony in 2009. The award is for an individual who has made a "substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations".
The category of Best Special Theatrical Event was retired as of the 2009–2010 season. The categories of Best Sound Design of a Play and Best Sound Design of a Musical were retired as of the 2014-2016 season.
Performance categories
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Show and technical categories
Best Musical
Best Revival of a Musical
Best Direction of a Musical
Best Book of a Musical
Best Original Score
Best Orchestrations
Best Choreography
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Best Play
Best Revival of a Play
Best Direction of a Play
Best Costume Design of a Play
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Best Lighting Design of a Play
Special awards
Regional Theatre Tony Award
Special Tony Award (includes Lifetime Achievement Award)
Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre
Isabelle Stevenson Award
Retired awards
Tony Award for Best Author
Best Conductor and Musical Director
Tony Award for Best Revival (split into two categories: Best Revival of a Musical and Best Revival of a Play)
Tony Award for Best Stage Technician
Best Special Theatrical Event
Best Director (split into two categories: Best Direction of a Musical and Best Direction of a Play)
Best Sound Design of a Musical
Best Sound Design of a Play