When the 78th Tony Award nominations were announced Thursday, Audra McDonald made history with her 11th nod.
McDonald, a six-time Tony winner, stars as Rose in Gypsy on Broadway. The actress was previously tied with the late Julie Harris and Chita Rivera for the most nominations ever with 10 each.
After receiving her 11th nod, McDonald said in a statement to Broadway World: “As a Black actor, Rose was never a character I thought I would play until my dear friend Gavin Creel planted the idea in my head. It took a long time for the idea to germinate, and I never would’ve been able to get here without the vision of our director George C. Wolfe, and the immense talent of our creative team and cast.”
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The news wasn’t nearly as good for Denzel Washington. The legendary actor was shut out of this year’s Tony nominations, despite leading the hit Broadway revival of Othello.
The two-time Oscar winner stars as Othello, alongside Jake Gyllenhaal as Lago in the production at the Barrymore Theatre.
Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kandi Burruss and husband Todd Tucker are on the producing team behind the revival.
According to Variety, the play has already recouped its $9 million investment after just nine weeks, making it the highest-grossing play revival in history. The show opened on March 23 and has sold out every performance thanks to the star power of the cast.
The Tony nominations were announced by previous winners Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce from New York City.
Among the nominees, the musicals Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending led this year’s competition with 10 nods each. All are up for best musical.
Several big names earned their first nominations, including George Clooney (Good Night, and Good Luck), Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Blvd.), Sarah Snook (The Picture of Dorian Gray), Bob Odenkirk (Glengarry Glen Ross), and Mia Farrow (The Roommate).
The Tony Awards, which honor Broadway’s best, are set for June 8 at Radio City Music Hall. Cynthia Erivo will host the ceremony. For a full list of the nominees click here, on the official Tony’s website.
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