Sarah Jessica Parker, Andrew Scott, and Sarah Snook Among Nominees at Olivier Awards
LONDON (AP) — Stars from the world of stage and screen gathered at the prestigious Olivier Awards in London on Sunday. The awards, often described as the British equivalent of the Tony Awards, celebrate outstanding achievements in London’s theater scene. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest highlights of the evening.
Bumper Year for the West End
The West End, which suffered greatly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is experiencing a highly anticipated comeback. This year, the Oliviers have seen a resurgence of new shows and talent in London. Television sensations Sarah Jessica Parker and Andrew Scott, along with rising star Sarah Snook, are just a few of the prominent names recognized for their extraordinary performances.
Star-Studded Nominations
Some of the most notable nominations include Sarah Jessica Parker for her role in Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite,” where she dazzled alongside her husband Matthew Broderick. “Succession” star Sarah Snook captivated audiences with her solo show, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The acclaimed Hot Priest from “Fleabag,” Andrew Scott, presented an exceptional adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “Vanya” for which he received a nomination.
Leading Productions
The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Hollywood noir “Sunset Boulevard” led the nominations with 11 nods, featuring Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls and the talented Tom Francis. This magnificent production, directed by Jamie Lloyd, will soon wow audiences on the grand Broadway stage. James Graham’s highly praised production, “Dear England,” which examines the nation’s relationship with soccer, garnered nine nominations and starred Joseph Fiennes as England manager Gareth Southgate.
Categories and Nominees
Some of the significant nominees for Best New Play are Jez Butterworth’s “The Hills of California,” Jack Thorne’s “The Motive and the Cue,” and Beth Steel’s “Till the Stars Come Down.” In the Best Actor category, Joseph Fiennes and Andrew Scott compete with exceptional talents like Mark Gatiss, James Norton, and David Tennant. Lead actresses Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Snook, Sophie Okonedo, Sheridan Smith, and Laura Donnelly are also vying for the Best Actress award.
Musical Experiences
Daniel Mays and Marisha Wallace thrilled audiences with their performances in the Bridge Theater’s immersive production of “Guys and Dolls,” which is also a nominee for Best Musical Revival. The Best New Musical category is filled with outstanding contenders including “The Little Big Things,” “Next to Normal,” “Operation Mincemeat,” and “A Strange Loop,” each promising unique and captivating experiences.
Prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards
The Olivier Awards were founded in 1976 in honor of the iconic actor-director Laurence Olivier and recognize remarkable achievements in theater, opera, and dance. Winners are chosen through a voting process by stage professionals and theatergoers. Last year’s remarkable victors included Paul Mescal for “A Streetcar Named Desire” and Jodie Comer for “Prima Facie.”
Where to Watch
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the delightful ceremony, ITV will be broadcasting the ceremony in the U.K., while BritBox will provide coverage in the U.S. and Canada. Moreover, the ceremony will be streamed live on YouTube worldwide starting at 1700GMT.
