Tony Awards 2022&nbsp;were held on Sunday, June 12th, honouring artists for their contributions to the creative industry. 31-year-old actor-singer, Ariana DeBose, who was the host of the award ceremony, delivered a hilarious performance celebrating the audience.&nbsp;

She performed a musical number during which she interacted with the audience, paying special attention to 'Spiderman' star Andrew Garfield.&nbsp;

"I am close to you, oh so close to you / I am touching you, there’s not a lot that you can do,"&nbsp;DeBose&nbsp;sang while&nbsp;laughing&nbsp;and&nbsp;poking&nbsp;Garfield&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;face.&nbsp;

Garfield wrapped his arms around DeBose as she sat on his lap and continued singing: "I’m sitting on you / ‘cause what they say is true / ‘cause there is no escaping us in the audience!"

She then rose and walked off to resume her act.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/75th-tony-awards-2022-simon-russell-beale-deirdre-oconnell-win-big-check-out-full-winners-list-487638">75th Tony Awards 2022: Simon Russell Beale, Deirdre O'Connell win big, check out full winners' list</a>

Both actors were nominated for Oscars this year, and their connection goes a long way via the Marvel Universe.&nbsp;

People took to social media and shared their reactions to her performance. Kevin Fallon, a reporter for The Daily Beast, said: "I respect Ariana DeBose for realising what is the point of hosting an award show if you don’t use that opportunity to sit on Andrew Garfield’s lap."

Meanwhile, fans too took the opportunity to agree with DeBose, saying who would miss the chance to sit on Garfield’s lap. "I relate to Ariana Debose because I, too, would come up with a song just for an excuse to sit on Andrew Garfield’s lap and poke his face," wrote a user.&nbsp;

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"If a miracle somehow happens, and we get Andrew Garfield to play Spider-Man once again in his own movie, can we get @ArianaDeBose to play Mary-Jane?" questioned one fan.&nbsp;

During her Tony Awards monologue, DeBose commented on the diversity on Broadway stages in the previous season. She pointed out that seven plays were written by black playwrights, and Lynn Nottage was a double nominee for both the play Clyde's and the book for MJ, making her the first playwright to receive nominations in both categories in the same year.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jennifer-hudson-becomes-an-egot-as-she-wins-at-tony-awards-2022-for-a-strange-loop-487676">Jennifer Hudson becomes an EGOT as she wins at Tony Awards 2022 for 'A Strange Loop'</a>

She also gave a shout-out to 'A Strange Loop‘s' L Morgan Lee, the first transgender person to be nominated for a Tony, as well as Six composer Toby Marlow, the first nonbinary winner in Tony Awards history.

Recently, Garfield was seen in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', reprising his character as Peter Parker, whereas Ariana will be next seen in Marvel's 'Kraven the Hunter', as Calypso. 
&nbsp;

Tony Awards 2022 were held on Sunday, June 12th, honouring artists for their contributions to the creative industry. 31-year-old actor-singer, Ariana DeBose, who was the host of the award ceremony, delivered a hilarious performance celebrating the audience.

Tony Awards 2022 were held on Sunday, June 12th, honouring artists for their contributions to the creative industry. 31-year-old actor-singer, Ariana DeBose, who was the host of the award ceremony, delivered a hilarious performance celebrating the audience. She performed a musical number during which she interacted with the audience, paying special attention to 'Spiderman' star Andrew Garfield. "I am close to you, oh so close to you / I am touching you, there’s not a lot that you can do," DeBose sang while laughing and poking Garfield in the face. Garfield wrapped his arms around DeBose as she sat on his lap and continued singing: "I’m sitting on you / ‘cause what they say is true / ‘cause there is no escaping us in the audience!" She then rose and walked off to resume her act. Also Read: 75th Tony Awards 2022: Simon Russell Beale, Deirdre O'Connell win big, check out full winners' list Both actors were nominated for Oscars this year, and their connection goes a long way via the Marvel Universe. People took to social media and shared their reactions to her performance. Kevin Fallon, a reporter for The Daily Beast, said: "I respect Ariana DeBose for realising what is the point of hosting an award show if you don’t use that opportunity to sit on Andrew Garfield’s lap." Meanwhile, fans too took the opportunity to agree with DeBose, saying who would miss the chance to sit on Garfield’s lap. "I relate to Ariana Debose because I, too, would come up with a song just for an excuse to sit on Andrew Garfield’s lap and poke his face," wrote a user. Presented without comment: Ariana DeBose + Andrew Garfield #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/QBtSwujHQq — Ashley Spencer (@AshleyySpencer) June 13, 2022 × "If a miracle somehow happens, and we get Andrew Garfield to play Spider-Man once again in his own movie, can we get @ArianaDeBose to play Mary-Jane?" questioned one fan. During her Tony Awards monologue, DeBose commented on the diversity on Broadway stages in the previous season. She pointed out that seven plays were written by black playwrights, and Lynn Nottage was a double nominee for both the play Clyde's and the book for MJ, making her the first playwright to receive nominations in both categories in the same year. Also Read: Jennifer Hudson becomes an EGOT as she wins at Tony Awards 2022 for 'A Strange Loop' She also gave a shout-out to 'A Strange Loop‘s' L Morgan Lee, the first transgender person to be nominated for a Tony, as well as Six composer Toby Marlow, the first nonbinary winner in Tony Awards history. Recently, Garfield was seen in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home', reprising his character as Peter Parker, whereas Ariana will be next seen in Marvel's 'Kraven the Hunter', as Calypso.

2022 Tony Awards: Andrew Garfield can't stop laughing as Ariana DeBose sings from his lap

'Hadestown,'&nbsp;a folk opera about a young couple's dark trek to the underworld, topped Broadway's Tony awards on Sunday winning eight honours, including the top prize best musical.

Based on the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, Anais Mitchell's musical also won Tonys for best director, score, supporting actor Andre De Shields, orchestration, and sound, scenic and lighting design.

Director Rachel Chavkin noted she was the only woman currently directing a Broadway musical and called for the theatre world to step up. "It is a failure of imagination," she told the audience.

'The Ferryman,'&nbsp;British playwright Jez Butterworth's wrenching examination of a family during the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland in the 1980s, won the best play and best director for Sam Mendes.

Bryan Cranston won his second Tony as the unhinged television anchorman in 'Network,'&nbsp;a stage adaptation of the 1976 movie.

Cranston dedicated his Tony award to real journalists. In a veiled reference to repeated attacks on the press by U.S. President Donald Trump, Cranston said the media "is not the enemy of the people. Demagoguery is the enemy of the people."

Elaine May, 87, was named best actress in a play for her moving performance as a mentally declining woman in 'The Waverly Gallery.'&nbsp;May, a director, writer and actress is also known for her comic partnership dating to the 1950s with late film director Mike Nichols.

The best actor in a musical Tony went to Santino Fontana for 'Tootsie,'&nbsp;the hit show based on the 1982 movie, while Stephanie J. Block took home the lead actress award playing music legend Cher in 'The Cher Show.'

Block thanked "the goddess Cher, and her legacy."

"The Boys in the Band," a comic drama about a group of gay men at a birthday party first produced in the late 1960s, won best play revival.

The supporting musical actress Tony went to Ali Stroker for a reinvented staging of the classic musical, 'Oklahoma!,'&nbsp;which won the best revival of a musical.

Stroker, as the "girl who can't say no" Ado Annie, became the first actor performing in a wheelchair to win a Tony.

Supporting actress in a play went to Celia Keenan-Bolger, 41, as the child Scout in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,'&nbsp;while English actor Bertie Carvel won his first Tony as media mogul Rupert Murdoch making his foray into newspaper publishing in 'Ink.'

Veteran stage actress Rosemary Harris and playwright Terrence McNally were presented with special Tony awards for lifetime achievement in theatre.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/race-sexual-politics-and-the-underworld-in-spotlight-at-broadways-tony-awards-225815">Race, sexual politics and the underworld</a> were in the spotlight at the&nbsp;Tony awards this year.&nbsp;

'Hadestown,' a folk opera about a young couple's dark trek to the underworld, topped Broadway's Tony awards on Sunday winning eight honours, including the top prize best musical.

'Hadestown,' a folk opera about a young couple's dark trek to the underworld, topped Broadway's Tony awards on Sunday winning eight honours, including the top prize best musical. Based on the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, Anais Mitchell's musical also won Tonys for best director, score, supporting actor Andre De Shields, orchestration, and sound, scenic and lighting design. Director Rachel Chavkin noted she was the only woman currently directing a Broadway musical and called for the theatre world to step up. "It is a failure of imagination," she told the audience. 'The Ferryman,' British playwright Jez Butterworth's wrenching examination of a family during the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland in the 1980s, won the best play and best director for Sam Mendes. Bryan Cranston won his second Tony as the unhinged television anchorman in 'Network,' a stage adaptation of the 1976 movie. Cranston dedicated his Tony award to real journalists. In a veiled reference to repeated attacks on the press by U.S. President Donald Trump, Cranston said the media "is not the enemy of the people. Demagoguery is the enemy of the people." Elaine May, 87, was named best actress in a play for her moving performance as a mentally declining woman in 'The Waverly Gallery.' May, a director, writer and actress is also known for her comic partnership dating to the 1950s with late film director Mike Nichols. The best actor in a musical Tony went to Santino Fontana for 'Tootsie,' the hit show based on the 1982 movie, while Stephanie J. Block took home the lead actress award playing music legend Cher in 'The Cher Show.' Block thanked "the goddess Cher, and her legacy." "The Boys in the Band," a comic drama about a group of gay men at a birthday party first produced in the late 1960s, won best play revival. The supporting musical actress Tony went to Ali Stroker for a reinvented staging of the classic musical, 'Oklahoma!,' which won the best revival of a musical. Stroker, as the "girl who can't say no" Ado Annie, became the first actor performing in a wheelchair to win a Tony. Supporting actress in a play went to Celia Keenan-Bolger, 41, as the child Scout in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' while English actor Bertie Carvel won his first Tony as media mogul Rupert Murdoch making his foray into newspaper publishing in 'Ink.' Veteran stage actress Rosemary Harris and playwright Terrence McNally were presented with special Tony awards for lifetime achievement in theatre. Race, sexual politics and the underworld were in the spotlight at the Tony awards this year.

'Hadestown', Cranston win big at Tonys, 'Ferryman' takes home best play

Race, sexual politics and a trip to the underworld are poised to take center stage on Sunday in New York at the annual Tony awards honoring the best of Broadway theater. 
 
Hosted by late night television personality James Corden, the Tonys cap a record season for Broadway, both in ticket sales and box office receipts, which exceeded $1.8 billion. 
 
With attendance topping that of the 10 professional New York and New Jersey sports teams combined, Broadway is booming, never so much as when it takes on topical issues. 
 
"We`re more in synch with the cross currents of the times," said Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing which presents the Tonys with The Broadway League. 
 
"You can see it in the themes of almost every show," she said, adding, "It`s hard to think of a show that doesn`t touch on a relevant or current issue." 
League President Charlotte St. Martin said that topical issues and average ticket prices under $100 are drawing in younger fans. 
 
Anais Mitchell`s "Hadestown," a dark folk opera about young lovers trapped in the underworld, is poised to collect the prize for best musical, after receiving a leading 14 nominations. 
 
But "The Prom," a musical about a group of egocentric Broadway actors invading a Midwestern town to support a lesbian who wants to bring her girlfriend to her prom, has its cheerleaders, as does "Tootsie," a hit show based on the 1982 film about a struggling actor who finds stardom by passing himself off as a woman. 
 
"Tootsie" is expected to bring a Tony for lead actor Santino Fontana, while Bryan Cranston, favored as the unhinged TV news anchor in the play "Network," faces competition from Jeff Daniels as noble white lawyer Atticus Finch in the racial drama "To Kill a Mockingbird."&nbsp; 
 
Sexuality is at the center of best play revival nominees "Torch Song" and "Boys in the Band," but Arthur Miller`s "All My Sons" or "The Waverly Gallery" may prevail. 
 
Award watchers say Elaine May, the veteran writer and director, is expected to win best actress in a play for her moving turn in "The Waverly Gallery" as an Alzheimer`s patient. 
 
Best play frontrunner is British playwright Jez Butterworth`s "The Ferryman," a wrenching examination of a family during the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland in the 1980s that garnered nine nods. 
 
Sexual politics get an airing in Heidi Schreck`s one-woman show "What the Constitution Means to Me," while Hillary Clinton`s unsuccessful bid for the White House in 2008 is revisited in "Hillary and Clinton."

Race, sexual politics and a trip to the underworld are poised to take center stage on Sunday in New York at the annual Tony awards honoring the best of Broadway theater.

Race, sexual politics and a trip to the underworld are poised to take center stage on Sunday in New York at the annual Tony awards honoring the best of Broadway theater. Hosted by late night television personality James Corden, the Tonys cap a record season for Broadway, both in ticket sales and box office receipts, which exceeded $1.8 billion. With attendance topping that of the 10 professional New York and New Jersey sports teams combined, Broadway is booming, never so much as when it takes on topical issues. "We`re more in synch with the cross currents of the times," said Heather Hitchens, president of the American Theatre Wing which presents the Tonys with The Broadway League. "You can see it in the themes of almost every show," she said, adding, "It`s hard to think of a show that doesn`t touch on a relevant or current issue." League President Charlotte St. Martin said that topical issues and average ticket prices under $100 are drawing in younger fans. Anais Mitchell`s "Hadestown," a dark folk opera about young lovers trapped in the underworld, is poised to collect the prize for best musical, after receiving a leading 14 nominations. But "The Prom," a musical about a group of egocentric Broadway actors invading a Midwestern town to support a lesbian who wants to bring her girlfriend to her prom, has its cheerleaders, as does "Tootsie," a hit show based on the 1982 film about a struggling actor who finds stardom by passing himself off as a woman. "Tootsie" is expected to bring a Tony for lead actor Santino Fontana, while Bryan Cranston, favored as the unhinged TV news anchor in the play "Network," faces competition from Jeff Daniels as noble white lawyer Atticus Finch in the racial drama "To Kill a Mockingbird." Sexuality is at the center of best play revival nominees "Torch Song" and "Boys in the Band," but Arthur Miller`s "All My Sons" or "The Waverly Gallery" may prevail. Award watchers say Elaine May, the veteran writer and director, is expected to win best actress in a play for her moving turn in "The Waverly Gallery" as an Alzheimer`s patient. Best play frontrunner is British playwright Jez Butterworth`s "The Ferryman," a wrenching examination of a family during the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland in the 1980s that garnered nine nods. Sexual politics get an airing in Heidi Schreck`s one-woman show "What the Constitution Means to Me," while Hillary Clinton`s unsuccessful bid for the White House in 2008 is revisited in "Hillary and Clinton."

Race, sexual politics and the underworld in spotlight at Broadway's Tony awards