Top Acting Honors at the 2025 Olivier Awards: Lesley Manville and John Lithgow Shine!

Lesley Manville and John Lithgow stood out as major winners at the Olivier Awards, which is the elite honor in UK theater. John Lithgow took home the award for Best Actor for his dazzling role as Roald Dahl in “Giant.” He called the experience “one of the best” of his life. Meanwhile, Lesley Manville won Best Actress for her powerful performance in “Oedipus.” During her acceptance, she dedicated her award to her new grandson, who was born while she was performing.

Three shows dominated the evening, each snagging three awards. “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Giant,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” all made a significant impact, showcasing a variety of creative talent on stage.

Celine Dion’s musical “Titanique” also made a splash, winning awards for Best New Entertainment and Comedy Play, alongside Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Layton Williams. He humorously noted, “I just won an Olivier for playing an iceberg!” This playful remark connected well with the audience and highlighted the creativity involved in modern theatrical productions.

Manville’s win is especially noteworthy as it adds to her accolades; this is her second Olivier Award, the first being in 2014 for “Ghosts.” She expressed gratitude towards her director Robert Icke and her co-star Mark Strong.

Eline Arbo received the Best Director award for “The Years,” a play about a woman’s life journey, skillfully presented by five actresses at different life stages. Romola Garai, one of the stars, humorously mentioned her nervousness about accepting an award for the wrong performance.

A key point from the evening was the vibrant messages shared by the winners about the need for empathy and love. Jordan Fein, director of “Fiddler on the Roof,” emphasized its relevance in today’s world, a sentiment echoed throughout the awards.

For extra context, 2023 saw a notable 25% increase in the number of theater-goers compared to the previous year, highlighting a resurgence in interest in live performances post-pandemic. Social media buzz around the awards was electric, with many fans praising the talent and diversity of performances recognized.

The evening’s performances included musical highlights from several shows, captivating the audience with a blend of classic and contemporary artistry. The energy and talent showcased at the Olivier Awards remind us how theater remains a vital part of our cultural landscape.



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