An astounding 17 plays were competing for five slots for Best Play, which was the most of any field in the play/musical/revival categories. (Comparatively, in the 2022-2023 season, there were nine new musicals, six play revivals and six musical revivals. Much easier for the top contenders in those categories to get in). The spoiler in the Tony Best Play race was Ain't No Mo' - which was terrific, despite its short run. I don't think the absence of Life of Pi or Prima Facie in the Best Play category equates to "losing steam." It was the most difficult, competitive category and the nominators went with the three Pulitzer winners, all excellent, the Olivier-winning possible career capper from Stoppard, one of our greatest living playwrights, and a wildly satirical and original piece that deserved a better commercial reception.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.