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Tony Awards: A Historic Year for Shakespearean Performances?
The upcoming Tony Awards could witness a milestone in the theatrical landscape, as three prominent actors are vying for nominations in the Best Actor in a Play category, each portraying iconic Shakespearean characters. This season, the revivals of *Othello* and *Romeo and Juliet* feature acclaimed stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Denzel Washington, alongside Kit Connor, potentially resulting in an unprecedented scenario where all three receive nominations.
Traditionally, *Othello* stands out as it centers on two principal roles—the titular character, played by Washington, and his subordinate Iago, portrayed by Gyllenhaal. Notably, Christopher Plummer was previously nominated for portraying Iago in 1982, establishing a rare precedent. Current predictions from Gold Derby place both Washington and Gyllenhaal in strong contention for nominations, though Connor’s portrayal of Romeo finds him trailing in ninth place on the odds list.
Historically, if only two of the actors are nominated, they would still tie the record for most Shakespearean performances recognized in a single year. This has only occurred twice before: once in 2004 with Kevin Kline and Plummer nominated for *Henry IV* and *King Lear*, and again in 2014 when Samuel Barnett and Mark Rylance received nods for *Twelfth Night* and *Richard III* respectively. Despite their impressive performances, neither prior nominee secured the award, underscoring the fierce competition within the Tony landscape.
At present, predictions suggest the possibility that only two of these three actors may ultimately receive nominations, particularly as some critics express a stronger inclination towards Gyllenhaal and Connor over Washington. For instance, Naveen Kumar from *The Washington Post* praised Gyllenhaal’s rendition of Iago as “precise and captivating,” contrasting this with Washington’s performance, which he perceived as lacking a commanding presence within the role.
Kumar highlighted how Connor’s interpretation of Romeo brought emotional depth and clarity to the role, capturing the character’s youthful exuberance effectively. This enthusiasm was echoed by Adrian Horton of *The Guardian*, who noted that Connor’s performance exhibited a natural fluency with Shakespeare’s dialogue, making it a standout among the cast. Conversely, Horton’s critiques of Washington reflected a sentiment of missed potential, finding moments of artistry sidelined by an overall sense of conventionality.
As the Tony nominations approach, voters often tend to favor recent productions in their decision-making. However, the nominating committee’s history of honoring performances throughout the entire Broadway season creates a viable pathway for Connor’s recognition, particularly given the favorable critical reception of *Romeo and Juliet*.
While Washington may still secure a nomination, it remains important to note that he has previously faced similar overlooks. His 2014 turn in *A Raisin in the Sun* went unrecognized despite the production receiving multiple nominations and awards. Should Washington not receive a nod this year, he would join a notable cohort, including the last Broadway portrayal of Othello by James Earl Jones, whose Iago, played by Plummer, did receive a nomination.
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