Historic Tony Awards Nominations Possible for Shakespearean Roles

NEW YORK — This year’s Tony Awards may mark a first in Broadway history, with three actors poised for nominations in roles from Shakespearean plays. The revamped productions of Othello and Romeo + Juliet feature major stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Denzel Washington, and Kit Connor, all potentially making their mark in the Best Actor category.

If Gyllenhaal and Washington receive nominations for their performances in Othello, alongside Connor in Romeo + Juliet, it would set a precedent for Shakespearean performances at the Tonys. This is particularly significant as it has never happened that three actors have been nominated for Shakespeare roles in a single season.

Othello, which stars Washington as the titular character and Gyllenhaal as Iago, has garnered attention for its exceptional casting. Historical data shows that the last time a similar nomination excitement occurred was in 2004 when Kevin Kline and Christopher Plummer were nominated for their roles in Henry IV and King Lear, respectively, though neither won. A decade later, Samuel Barnett and Mark Rylance received nominations for their performances in Twelfth Night and Richard III.

Currently, Gold Derby‘s predictions place Gyllenhaal and Washington in an advantageous position, ranking them second and third, while Connor sits further down at ninth for his role as Romeo. Critics have weighed in on these performances, with a range of opinions highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each actor’s portrayal.

Naveen Kumar of The Washington Post praised Gyllenhaal for his compelling interpretation of Iago, calling him “the production’s indisputable anchor.” However, he critiqued Washington’s performance, suggesting a lack of clarity in his delivery. By contrast, Kit Connor received accolades for his ability to blend emotional depth with the poetic nature of the dialogue in Romeo.

Adrian Horton of The Guardian echoed these sentiments in her review, offering nuanced viewpoints on the three performances. She noted Connor’s “amiable laddishness” and remarked on Washington’s “moments of sublime melody” but pointed out that they were often overshadowed by Gyllenhaal’s commanding presence.

The Tony Awards have historically favored productions that have recently concluded, such as Othello, which casts doubts on whether Connor’s earlier play could secure him a nomination. However, the nominators have demonstrated an appreciation for works from both fall and spring seasons, allowing for surprises that could benefit all three actors.

If the nominations don’t go Washington’s way, it wouldn’t mark the first time for the acclaimed actor. He previously missed a nomination for his role in A Raisin in the Sun despite its successful winning path, which included five nominations.

Should all three actors be nominated, it would be not only a historic recognition for the theater community but a celebration of Shakespeare’s enduring relevance in contemporary Broadway productions. Critics and audiences alike await the upcoming nominations, hoping to see Gyllenhaal, Washington, and Connor honored for their remarkable contributions.