Tony Award - Award Categories

Award Categories

As of 2011 there are 26 categories of awards, plus several special awards. Starting with 11 awards in 1947, the names and number of categories have changed over the years; a complete history of each award category was published in 2005.

A newly established non-competitive award, The Isabelle Stevenson Award, was given for the first time at the awards ceremony in 2009. The award is for an individual who has made a "substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service or charitable organizations."

The category of Special Theatrical Event was retired as of the 2009–2010 season.

  • Best Play
  • Best Musical
  • Best Book of a Musical
  • Best Original Score
  • Best Revival of a Play
  • Best Revival of a Musical
  • Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
  • Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
  • Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
  • Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
  • Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
  • Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
  • Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
  • Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
  • Best Direction of a Play
  • Best Direction of a Musical
  • Best Choreography
  • Best Orchestrations
  • Best Scenic Design of a Play
  • Best Scenic Design of a Musical
  • Best Costume Design of a Play
  • Best Costume Design of a Musical
  • Best Lighting Design of a Play
  • Best Lighting Design of a Musical
  • Best Sound Design of a Play
  • Best Sound Design of a Musical

Special categories

  • Regional Theatre Tony Award
  • Special Tony Award (includes Lifetime Achievement Award)
  • Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre
  • Isabelle Stevenson Award

Retired awards

  • Tony Award for Best Author
  • Best Conductor and Musical Director
  • Tony Award for Best Revival (replaced by separate musical and play awards)
  • Tony Award for Best Stage Technician
  • Best Special Theatrical Event
  • Best Director (split into two categories: Best Direction of A Musical & Best Direction of A Play)

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