Denzel Washington’s acclaimed performance as Othello, which recently drew sold-out crowds and broke box office records at the Barrymore Theatre in New York City, was stunningly left off the list of Tony Award nominees. Fans and the theater community were quick to notice the absence, sparking debate about how the celebrated actor’s work on Broadway could go unrecognized during the season’s most prestigious awards announcement.
The Broadway revival of Othello, which began its limited engagement on March 23, witnessed Denzel Washington—an Oscar-winning actor and star of films such as Gladiator 2—take on the central role of the tragedy’s tortured Moor. With the backing of Tony-winning director Kenny Leon and praised for its gripping, modern-day themed interpretation in Shakespeare’s original words, the play became the top-grossing show in Broadway history for a single week during its run. Both the box-office success and the enthusiastic critical response seemed to position Denzel Washington as a frontrunner for this year’s Tony honors.
Yet when Tony nominations were revealed, Denzel Washington and the Othello production were notably absent from the categories. The omission did not go unnoticed by those closest to the actor. Pauletta Washington, Denzel’s wife, addressed the outcome during a set visit to her series Reasonable Doubt, currently filming in Atlanta. Reflecting on their family’s experience, she remarked,
She went on to suggest that the decision reflected a limited perspective among the people responsible for such judgments, stating,
Despite the disappointment, Pauletta Washington continued to highlight the strength of Denzel Washington’s work on the stage. She described the performance as a “masterclass,” and noted the impact of Kenny Leon’s direction in connecting audiences—even those unfamiliar with Shakespeare—to the story and its emotions.
she explained.
She was clear that family ties did not influence her assessment.
she told reporters, emphasizing that Denzel Washington’s dedication to the craft was evident in every performance.
While some critics may have been skeptical about this modern interpretation of Othello, audiences responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, filling the theater night after night and ensuring the production’s financial success before its June 8 closing date. As the conversation continues about how Denzel Washington’s acclaimed portrayal was overlooked by Tony voters, many in the theater world are left considering what this snub says about representation, artistic evolution, and recognition on Broadway.
