On October 15, 2020, the nominations for the 74th Annual Tony Awards were announced. At Broadway brings you the latest updates faster than anywhere else! For those new to the Tony Awards, you can learn more about what they are, their history, and the different award categories on our Tony Awards main page.
The 74th Tony Awards: A historic year shaped by the pandemic
The 74th Tony Awards ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on June 7, 2020, at Radio City Music Hall. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the event and announcement were postponed. On August 21, it was confirmed that the 2020 Tony Awards would be held virtually without an audience later that year. While the ceremony is usually known for its hosts and grand performances, this year’s edition took an unprecedented approach.
COVID-19’s impact on Broadway and the nominations
The pandemic forced many new Broadway productions to delay their openings, drastically reducing the number of shows eligible for the 2020 Tony Awards. As a result, only 18 productions were considered for nominations this year.
In the category for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, only one nominee—Aaron Tveit for Moulin Rouge! The Musical—was selected. In this rare situation, he could win if he receives approval from at least 60% of voters. Meanwhile, three actresses from Jagged Little Pill were nominated for Leading Actress in a Musical, highlighting the unique challenges of this year’s awards.
Most nominated productions
| 15 nominations: | Jagged Little Pill |
| 14 nominations: | Moulin Rouge! The Musical |
| 12 nominations: | Tina: The Tina Turner Musical |
Best Musical
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The Broadway adaptation of the hit film starring Nicole Kidman brings its dazzling world of love, art, and music to the stage. Featuring dozens of beloved pop songs, this high-energy burlesque-style show is both hilarious and deeply emotional—a must-see for anyone who loves great music and spectacular theater.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
This electrifying musical tells the incredible life story of Tina Turner, the eight-time Grammy winner and Queen of Rock and Roll. Her journey from hardship to global superstardom will leave audiences inspired and moved.
Jagged Little Pill
Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s Grammy-winning album, this musical tells the story of a modern American family navigating identity, addiction, and healing. A powerful and timely story that resonates deeply with today’s audiences.
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Aaron Tveit – Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Karen Olivo – Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Elizabeth Stanley – Jagged Little Pill
Adrienne Warren – Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Danny Burstein – Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Derek Klena – Jagged Little Pill
Sean Allan Krill – Jagged Little Pill
Sahr Ngaujah – Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Daniel J. Watts – Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Kathryn Gallagher – Jagged Little Pill
Celia Rose Gooding – Jagged Little Pill
Robyn Hurder – Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Myra Lucretia Taylor – Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Lauren Patten – Jagged Little Pill
Best Play
Grand Horizons
The Inheritance
Sea Wall / A Life
Slave Play
The Sound Inside
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Ian Barford – Linda Vista
Andrew Burnap – The Inheritance
Jake Gyllenhaal – Sea Wall / A Life
Tom Hiddleston – Betrayal
Tom Sturridge – Sea Wall / A Life
Blair Underwood – A Soldier’s Play
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Joaquina Kalukango – Slave Play
Laura Linney – My Name is Lucy Barton
Audra McDonald – Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
Mary-Louise Parker – The Sound Inside
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Ato Blankson-Wood – Slave Play
James Cusati-Moyer – Slave Play
David Alan Grier – A Soldier’s Play
John Benjamin Hickey – The Inheritance
Paul Hilton – The Inheritance
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Jane Alexander – Grand Horizons
Cora Vander Broek – Linda Vista
Chalia La Tour – Slave Play
Annie McNamara – Slave Play
Lois Smith – The Inheritance
Last year’s Tony Awards (2019)
The big winner at the 73rd Tony Awards was Hadestown, which earned 14 nominations and won 9 awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Director. Although performances were paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, the show was scheduled to reopen in May 2021. You can view the full list of 2019 winners on the page below.
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