Audra McDonald Makes Tonys History, While “Othello” Feels Snubbed Nomination
Audra McDonald has officially made history as the most-nominated performer in Tony Awards history. With her latest nod for the revival of Broadway’s Gypsy, McDonald now holds 11 nominations—more than any other actor. At 54, she’s already the most-awarded performer in Tonys history and now becomes the first Black actor to lead a Broadway production of Gypsy as the iconic character “Rose.”
“I’m so lucky,” McDonald told The Hollywood Reporter. “The one thing I always wanted to do growing up… was to perform theater. So to be at this point and to have that kind of recognition is just overwhelming.”
In a statement to People, she added, “As a Black actor, Rose was never a character I thought I would play… I feel so incredibly grateful to share this Gypsy with the world and to be a part of the legacy of one of the most perfect musicals ever written.”
Black Talent Dominates 2025 Tony Award Nominations
This year’s nominations also highlight a wave of Black excellence across theater. LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Jon Michael Hill, Henry Lennix, Glenn Davis, and Kara Young were all recognized for their work in Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by Phylicia Rashad.
Additional nominations went to Natalie Venetia Belcon and Joy Woods, alongside acclaimed Black creatives like director Saheem Ali, choreographer Camille A. Brown, and costume designers Dede Ayite, Clint Ramos, and Paul Tazewell. Cynthia Erivo, star of Wicked, will host the June 8 ceremony airing on CBS and Paramount+.
Kandi Burruss Responds to Othello Tony Snub
While McDonald and other Black creatives received praise, Othello—the high-profile Broadway revival starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal—was left out of the nominations entirely. The production, which opened March 23 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, was produced by Kandi Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker, and directed by Kenny Leon.
“Well y’all… Othello didn’t get the Tony nomination,” Burruss wrote on Instagram. “Of course I’m disappointed… but I’m still beyond proud to be part of this phenomenal production.”
She praised Washington and Gyllenhaal’s performances, calling them “a masterclass in acting every single night.” Though the snub stung, Burruss said she’s staying focused on the future: “I’m not giving up on the dream.”
Othello a Box Office Hit Despite Mixed Reviews
Despite the lack of Tonys recognition, Othello has been a commercial success, bringing in $2.8 million in its first week and setting a record for the highest weekly gross for a non-musical play. Some ticket prices exceeded $900, a point of critique for some—but director Kenny Leon responded plainly: “People are paying what they think it’s worth.”
A theatergoer reportedly told Leon, “I paid $921 for this ticket and you know what? I don’t want a cent back. I want to figure out how to come back.”
Denzel Washington addressed the buzz over pricing in an interview with Entertainment Tonight: “There are also seats available for far less… I’m humbled by the opportunity to use my celebrity to help others. That’s what it’s about.”
