Despite the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike, the 2023 Tony Awards proceeded as planned at the United Palace Theatre in New York. Hosted by Ariana DeBose, the ceremony underwent some changes, featuring no scripted banter and focusing on powerful performances. “Kimberly Akimbo” won Best Musical, with Victoria Clark winning Best Actress for her role in the production.
Tom Stoppard’s “Leopoldstadt” took home the award for Best Play. The night also saw historic wins for nonbinary actors Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee. Bonnie Milligan delivered an inspiring speech upon winning for “Kimberly Akimbo,” and Denée Benton made pointed remarks about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Jodie Comer won Best Actress for her performance in “Prima Facie.”
The 2023 Tony Awards defied the challenges posed by the Hollywood writers’ strike and proceeded with a slightly altered ceremony at the United Palace Theatre in New York. The event, hosted by Ariana DeBose, featured a notable absence of scripted banter during the presentation of awards. However, the night was not lacking in memorable moments, with powerful performances and deserving winners taking the stage.
The prestigious award for Best Musical went to “Kimberly Akimbo,” a captivating production centered around a 16-year-old girl, brilliantly portrayed by Victoria Clark, who ages four times faster than the average person. The musical also received recognition for its exceptional score and book. Clark’s victory in the Best Actress category further highlighted the brilliance of her performance. In her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to her late father and grandmother and offered words of encouragement to those who feel like outsiders, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and belonging.
The Tony Awards made history with nonbinary actors taking the spotlight. Alex Newell, known for their role in “Glee,” won the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for their remarkable performance in the corn comedy “Shucked.” In an emotional acceptance speech, Newell expressed gratitude to their mother for teaching them strength and thanked the Broadway community for recognizing and embracing them. J. Harrison Ghee, who uses he/they pronouns, secured the Best Actor in a Musical award for their portrayal of a jazz musician exploring their gender identity in “Some Like It Hot.”
Ghee’s win marked the second time in Tony history that an openly nonbinary performer received an acting award. Their heartfelt speech acknowledged the struggles faced by transgender and nonbinary individuals and served as an inspiration for others seeking acceptance and representation.
Bonnie Milligan’s win for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in “Kimberly Akimbo” brought an uplifting moment to the ceremony. Milligan’s portrayal of the hilarious and nuanced character of Aunt Debra resonated with audiences. During her acceptance speech, she shared an emotional tribute to her late father and grandmother and offered words of encouragement to individuals who may feel marginalized or different. Milligan’s own journey to Broadway, growing up with limited resources and connections, resonated with many aspiring artists.
Ariana DeBose, the host of the evening, kicked off the show with an unscripted opening number, showcasing her remarkable talent and setting the tone for the night. In a powerful moment, DeBose expressed support for the striking Writers Guild of America members and shed light on the impact of the strike on the ceremony. She emphasized the lack of scripted presentations and highlighted the improvisation of every presenter, adding an air of spontaneity and excitement to the event.
Denée Benton, known for her role in HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” made headlines with her pointed remarks about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. While presenting an award, Benton compared DeSantis to a “grand wizard,” referring to a leader of the Ku Klux Klan. Her remarks received enthusiastic applause from the audience at the United Palace Theatre. Benton’s statement resonated with many, and fellow actress Sheryl Lee Ralph praised her on Twitter, acknowledging the significance of her words.
In a significant win, Jodie Comer, acclaimed for her role in BBC America’s “Killing Eve,” took home the award for Best Actress in a Play for her captivating performance in “Prima Facie.” The thought-provoking one-woman show delves into the challenging subject of sexual assault, with Comer portraying a lawyer named Tessa who confronts the system’s flaws after experiencing her own trauma. Comer highlighted the unique narrative control her character possessed and expressed her admiration for Tessa’s strength and resilience. She also spoke about the profound impact the play has had on survivors and the letters she receives weekly, underscoring the importance of telling these stories and providing support to those affected.
Despite the Hollywood writers’ strike, the 2023 Tony Awards proved to be a successful and inspiring event. With powerful performances, historic wins, and memorable speeches, the theater community showcased its resilience and commitment to creativity and inclusion. The ceremony celebrated exceptional talent and highlighted stories that resonate with audiences, affirming the enduring impact of live theater.
