The 2026 Tony Awards nominations have arrived, and it's a diverse and exciting list of contenders. This year's ceremony promises to be a celebration of Broadway's finest, with a mix of familiar names and fresh faces. Here's a deep dive into some of the most notable moments and surprises from the nominations.
Marjorie Prime's Historic Moment
June Squibb made history at age 96, becoming the oldest Tony nominee ever for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in Marjorie Prime. This marks a significant achievement for the veteran actress, who began her career in the 1950s. Coincidentally, Danny Burstein, who played the role of Ben in the 2024 revival of Gypsy, also received a Tony nomination for his performance in Marjorie Prime, making him the most recognized male actor in Tony Awards history with his ninth nomination. Burstein's previous Tony win for Moulin Rouge! The Musical in 2020 further cements his status as a Broadway legend.
Best Original Score: A Mixed Bag
The Best Original Score category, usually dominated by musicals, took an unexpected turn this year. It included two plays, Death of a Salesman and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, alongside three musicals: The Lost Boys, Schmigadoon!, and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). This expansion of the category reflects the diverse nature of Broadway, where the line between musical and play is often blurred. The inclusion of plays in this category is a refreshing change and highlights the exceptional writing and music that can be found in both forms.
Surprising Snubs and Surprises
The Tony nominations were not without their fair share of surprises. Lea Michele's absence from the Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical category for her performance in Chess was a shock to many. The well-received Joe Turner’s Come and Gone received only one nomination, with Ruben Santiago-Hudson earning a nod for Best Featured Actor in a Play. Several eligible shows, including Call Me Izzy, Mamma Mia!, Art, The Queen of Versailles, Proof, and Beaches, were notably omitted from the nominations. This highlights the subjective nature of awards and the challenges of predicting winners in a highly competitive industry.
Hollywood on Broadway
This season saw a plethora of Hollywood stars making their Broadway debuts. Oscar winner Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson graced the stage in The Fear of 13, while the cast of The Bear brought their hit TV show to life with performances in Dog Day Afternoon. Additionally, notable names like Bobby Cannavale, James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris, Jean Smart, Don Cheadle, and Taraji P. Henson all earned Tony nominations for their Broadway roles. The presence of these A-list actors adds a layer of glamour and excitement to the awards, attracting a broader audience and showcasing the appeal of live theater.
Saturday Night Triumph
Ana Gasteyer and Rachel Dratch, both former cast members of Saturday Night Live, received Tony nominations for their work in The Rocky Horror Show and Schmigadoon!, respectively. Gasteyer's first Tony nomination is a testament to her talent and versatility. Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels also received a Tony nod for his involvement in Schmigadoon!. The inclusion of these SNL alums adds a touch of nostalgia and highlights the impact of late-night TV on the entertainment industry.
First-Time Females
The Best Leading Actress in a Musical category introduced several new faces, with Schmigadoon! star Sara Chase, The Rocky Horror Show's Stephanie Hsu, Caissie Levy in Ragtime, Titanique co-creator and star Marla Mindelle, and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)'s Christiani Pitts all earning their first Tony nominations. These talented women bring a fresh perspective to the awards, showcasing the diversity and talent within the industry.
Miraculous Marla
Marla Mindelle's dual nominations for Best Actress in a Musical and Best Book of a Musical for Titanique are remarkable. She joins a select group of writer-performers who have received nominations in multiple categories. This achievement highlights the importance of recognizing the creative process behind musicals and the talent of those who bring these productions to life. Mindelle's nominations serve as an inspiration to aspiring writers and performers, demonstrating the potential for success in multiple facets of the theater world.
