Thu Apr 17 06:30:00 UTC 2025: **Broadway History in the Making? Three Shakespearean Actors Vie for Tony Award**
NEW YORK—This year’s Tony Awards could mark a historic first. For the first time ever, three actors in Shakespearean roles—Jake Gyllenhaal and Denzel Washington (Othello), and Kit Connor (Romeo + Juliet)—are strong contenders for the Best Actor in a Play award. Such a nomination would be unprecedented in the Tony Awards’ history.
While the Gold Derby currently predicts only two of the three will receive nominations, critical acclaim for all three performances fuels hopes for a historic triple nomination. Gyllenhaal’s Iago in *Othello* and Connor’s Romeo in *Romeo + Juliet* have garnered significant praise, with reviewers highlighting their captivating performances and natural grasp of Shakespearean language. While Washington’s Othello has received mixed reviews, his stature and past achievements still place him as a potential nominee.
Even if only two actors receive nominations, it would still tie the record for the most Shakespearean performances nominated in a single year. This has only happened twice before: in 2004 (Kevin Kline and Christopher Plummer) and 2014 (Samuel Barnett and Mark Rylance).
The outcome remains uncertain, but the sheer possibility of three Shakespearean actors vying for the top prize underscores the enduring power of Shakespeare on the Broadway stage. The nominations will be announced in May.
First Piper 