What is a Tony Award?
The Tony Awards honor excellence in Broadway theater in New York City. They are presented each June and are considered the highest honor in American theater.
The awards were first given in 1947 by the American Theatre Wing. They are named after Antoinette Perry, an actress, director and producer who led the Wing during World War II. Categories include Best Musical, Best Play, Best Revival and awards for acting, directing, writing, music, design and choreography.
Only productions that open in one of Broadway's 41 eligible theaters during the season can compete. About 800 to 900 voters, including theater professionals, journalists and other industry members, choose the winners. The ceremony includes live performances from nominated musicals.
Record holders
The Producers holds the record for the most Tony Awards won by a single show, with 12 in 2001. Hamilton earned a record 16 nominations in 2016 and won 11. Audra McDonald has won the most competitive acting Tonys, with six.
Did You Know?
The Tony Award medallion shows the masks of comedy and tragedy on one side and the profile of Antoinette Perry on the other.