The Drama League Awards, held annually since 1922, are the oldest theatrical honors in America. They celebrate distinguished productions, performances, and direction on and off Broadway. Launched initially as an initiative by The Drama League—a nonprofit with over a century of commitment to supporting theater artists—the event has evolved into one of New York’s most stylish and star-studded celebrations, thanks to the leadership of Bevin Ross, Gabriel Stelian-Shanks, and Bonnie Comley.
This year’s ceremony lit up the red carpet with fashion and talent. Among the celebrated nominees were acting legends and rising stars alike: Mia Farrow, Sarah Snook, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Nicole Scherzinger, Helen J. Shen, Lea Salonga, Idina Menzel, Andre DeShields, Darren Criss, Nick Jonas, and drag icons Alaska Thunderf*ck and Jinkx Monsoon. Previous winners like Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, and Bernadette Peters—known as much for their showstopping performances as their red-carpet elegance—have set a high bar for both artistry and style. This year, the directors were equally luminous, with Phylicia Rashad, Jamie Lloyd, Danya Taymor, Sam Pinkleton, Whitney White, Schele Williams, and Michael Arden bringing creative flair and sharp tailoring to the event.
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Fashion, naturally, took center stage alongside the awards. Drama League Award’s Co- chair Darin Oduyoye turned heads in a sharp-cut Gucci ensemble. Board President Bonnie Comley brought vintage glamour in a timeless Chanel look, and Executive Director Bevin Ross stunned in a buttercup bloom belted dress, perfect for the spring ceremony. Board members Sarah Hutton, Kumiko Yoshii, Paula Kaminsky Davis, Mary Jain, Irene Gandy, Jennifer Johnson-Blalock, and Trish Chambers triumphed in a celebration of color: bold, bright, and unapologetically radiant while their fellow board members Stan Ponte, Jonathan Lonner, Fred Siegel, and Townsend Teague opted for classic suits. At the intersection of Broadway brilliance and fashion finesse, the Drama League Awards remain not just a celebration of performance, but of presence.
