London, England – The prestigious Olivier Awards took place on Sunday, celebrating the best of UK theater talent. Among the winners were Lesley Manville and John Lithgow, who took home the awards for Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively. Manville was recognized for her performance in the Greek tragedy Oedipus, dedicating her award to her grandson who was born during the show’s run. On the other hand, Lithgow received accolades for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in Giant, calling it one of the best experiences he’s had on stage.
The ceremony saw three productions – Fiddler on the Roof, Giant, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – tying with the most wins, each taking home three prizes. Imelda Staunton also emerged victorious, winning Best Actress in a musical for her leading role in Hello Dolly!. The event showcased the exceptional talent within the UK theater scene, with performances ranging from classical plays to modern musicals.
US actor John Lithgow, who is set to portray Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, expressed gratitude in his acceptance speech, emphasizing the strong bond between the US and the UK. His co-star, Elliot Levey, also triumphed as he was named Best Supporting Actor, while their production Giant was recognized as the Best New Play of the year.
The night also saw Romola Garai clinching the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Years, a production that explores the different stages of a woman’s life through five actresses. Other notable winners included Layton Williams, who won Best Supporting Actor in a musical for his role in Titanique, and Celine Dion musical Titanique itself, taking home awards for Best New Entertainment and Comedy Play.
The Olivier Awards served as a platform to honor exceptional talent in British theater, recognizing the hard work and creativity of actors, directors, and producers. With a diverse range of productions being celebrated, the event highlighted the vibrancy and innovation present within the UK theater industry.