Tony Awards Snub: Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal’s ‘Othello’ Ignored Despite Thriving Ticket Sales

Othello, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Denzel Washington, surprisingly received no nominations for the 2025 Tony Awards. Despite mixed reviews, the play has attracted large crowds and boasted an average ticket price of $374.17 last week, making it one of the priciest shows on Broadway.

Another show, the musical Redwood with Idina Menzel, also went home empty-handed in the nominations, joining The Last Five Years, starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren, and McNeal, which marks Robert Downey Jr.’s Broadway debut.

Interestingly, George Clooney got nominated for his first Tony for co-writing Good Night, and Good Luck, but the play itself missed out on a nomination for Best Play, even though it has been a top grosser on Broadway.

Glengarry Glen Ross, a celebrity-driven production, didn’t snag any nomination in the play revival category, despite Bob Odenkirk receiving praise for his performance. His co-stars Kieran Culkin and Bill Burr did not receive acting nods.

Sarah Snook got recognized for her solo performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray, but the production did not earn a nomination for Best Play. Snook previously won a 2024 Olivier Award for this role when she performed it in London.

The Best Play category excluded popular productions like Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which won the Olivier for Best New Play in 2024. Instead, it focused on original works like English, The Hills of California, and Purpose.

While Romeo + Juliet received a nomination for Best Revival, lead actors Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor missed out on individual nods.

A bright spot came with Gracie Lawrence, known for her band Lawrence and her role in Sex Lives of College Girls, receiving her first Tony nomination for her Broadway debut in Just In Time. She plays Connie Francis, who has a romantic subplot with Bobby Darin, portrayed by Jonathan Groff, who also earned a nomination.

James Monroe Iglehart stood out for his role as Louis Armstrong in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical, which garnered its only nomination. The show closed early on February 23 after opening on November 11.

The score category featured shows like Dead Outlaw and Real Women Have Curves, but well-known soundtracks from Smash and The Last Five Years were ineligible. Smash scored just two nominations, while Real Women Have Curves received recognition for actress Justina Machado and best score.

This year’s Tony nominations sparked diverse reactions on social media, with fans expressing surprise and disappointment over certain exclusions. Online discussions revealed a mix of admiration for the nominees and frustration over missed opportunities, underscoring how passionate audiences are about Broadway’s evolving landscape.

For more details on the Tony Awards, you can check out the official Tony Awards website or Broadway.com.

Check out this related article: Must-Read May: 24 Exciting New Releases from Stephen King, Ocean Vuong, Alison Bechdel & More!

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