Angelina Jolie and Daniel Radcliffe Win First Tony Awards
In a night of firsts at the Tony Awards, Daniel Radcliffe and Angelina Jolie emerged as new honorees in Broadway’s esteemed circle. The ceremony, held in New York, celebrated the best in theatre, with both stars earning their inaugural Tony Awards.
Daniel Radcliffe’s Triumph
Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe won Best Actor in a Musical for his role in the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. Radcliffe, visibly emotional, dedicated his award to his father on Father’s Day and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his girlfriend, Erin Darke. “My love Erin, you and our son are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you so much, thank you so much,” he said. He also credited his parents for his love of Sondheim’s work, describing the play as “one of the best experiences of my life.”
Jonathan Groff, Radcliffe’s co-star, also secured his first Tony for his performance in the musical. Praising Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez, Groff called them “more than old friends” and “soulmates,” looking forward to their lifelong journey together.
Angelina Jolie’s Achievement
Angelina Jolie, known for her film career, won her first Tony Award as a producer for The Outsiders, which was named Best Musical. Jolie took the stage with her daughter Vivienne, 15, and was acknowledged by director Danya Taymor in her acceptance speech. The musical, based on S.E. Hinton’s novel, depicts the conflict between two rival gangs in America divided by socioeconomic status. It bested Hell’s Kitchen, a musical featuring Alicia Keys’ songs, which received 13 nominations and won two awards, including one for theatre veteran Kecia Lewis.
Stereophonic’s Success
The most nominated play in Tony history, Stereophonic, won five awards, including Best Play. Playwright David Adjmi, in his acceptance speech, highlighted the difficulties of a career in the arts and called for increased funding. The play follows a fictional rock band in the 1970s as they create an album.
Jeremy Strong’s First Tony
Hollywood actor Jeremy Strong, best known for his role as Kendall in Succession, won Best Lead Actor in a Play for An Enemy of the People. Strong described Henrik Ibsen’s play as “a cry from the heart” that addresses “difficult truths.” He portrayed a doctor who exposes contamination in public baths, refusing to be silenced.
Sarah Paulson’s Milestone
Sarah Paulson won Best Actress in a Lead Role for her performance in the revival of Appropriate, a darkly comic drama about a dysfunctional family. This win brings Paulson halfway to EGOT status, adding to her Emmy win in 2016 for The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Special Performances and Tributes
The ceremony featured a performance by Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, who joined the cast of Hell’s Kitchen to perform their 2009 hit “Empire State of Mind,” paying tribute to New York. Nicole Scherzinger, who recently won an Olivier Award, performed during the in-memoriam segment, honoring theatre legends such as Sir Michael Gambon, Glenda Jackson, and Louis Gossett Jr.
The 77th Tony Awards highlighted both new and seasoned talents, celebrating their contributions to the vibrant world of Broadway.
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