The nominees for the Tony Awards were announced last week, and Broadway is abuzz with excitement. Although there are a million reasons to see one of the incredible shows nominated for awards this year, we wanted to shine a special light on the nominated women. It’s really a stellar season in these categories, with big Hollywood stars, Broadway favorites, and promising newcomers all vying for a chance at taking home the big prize.
No matter whether they win or lose, these women are at the top of their craft, turning in performances that are hilarious, moving, fiery, smart, and heartfelt. Read more below and get to know more about these spectacular, Tony-nominated leading ladies.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Denée Benton, The Great Comet
Did You Know: In 2014, Benton played the role of Nabulungi in the West End and on the U.S National Tour of The Book of Mormon. This is her Broadway debut.
Christine Ebersole, War Paint
Did You Know: In 1981-1982, Ebersole was part of the cast of Saturday Night Live, where she co-anchored “Weekend Update” and played Princess Diana and many other characters.
Patti LuPone, War Paint
Did You Know: LuPone’s wedding ceremony to Matthew Johnston was held on the stage of the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center.
Bette Midler, Hello, Dolly!
Did You Know: Midler turned down the lead role in the 1992 feature film Sister Act, which ultimately went to Whoopi Goldberg.
Eva Noblezada, Miss Saigon
Did You Know: Noblezada landed the role of Kim in the 2013 London production of Miss Saigon right after her high school graduation, after being discovered at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Jennifer Ehle, Oslo
Did You Know: Ehle made her stage debut at a young age. As a toddler, she appeared in a 1973 Broadway revival of A Streetcar Named Desire, in which her mother, Rosemary Harris, played Blanche DuBois.
Sally Field, The Glass Menagerie
Did You Know: Field’s iconic, Golden Globe-nominated funeral outburst scene in Steel Magnolias was reportedly shot in one take.
Laura Linney, The Little Foxes
Did You Know: Linney played wife Elizabeth Proctor to Liam Neeson's John Proctor on Broadway in the 2002 revival of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Neeson later walked Linney down the aisle at her 2009 wedding.
Laurie Metcalf, A Doll’s House, Part 2
Did You Know: 10-time Emmy Award nominee (and three-time winner) Metcalf is a founding ensemble member of the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago.
Cate Blanchett, The Present
Did You Know: Broadway “newcomer” Blanchett is the only actress to receive Academy Award nominations for portraying the same role (Queen Elizabeth I) in two films.
The 71st Annual Tony Awards will be hosted by Kevin Spacey. Tune in live to CBS at 8:00 on Sunday, June 11 to see the best and brightest that Broadway has to offer. For best availability, don’t wait until after the telecast to place your order.