Tony Awards Committee Sets Eligibility for Oedipus, Chess, Bug and More

Tony Awards committee sets eligibility for five shows

The Tony Awards Administration Committee has ruled on the eligibility for five Broadway productions for the 2025-26 season. The decisions determine where shows and artists will compete at the 79th annual Tony Awards.

The meeting, held on Thursday, covered category placements for the new productions. The affected shows are "Oedipus," "Chess," "Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)," "Marjorie Prime," and "Bug."

Key rulings for leading productions

For the star-studded revival of "Oedipus," the committee made several specific determinations. Actor Ralph Fiennes will be eligible in the Leading Actor in a Play category for his performance in the title role.

Actress Indira Varma will be considered in the Featured Actress in a Play category for her role as Jocasta. The producers of "Oedipus" requested, and were granted, eligibility for the entire production in the Best Revival of a Play category.

Decisions for musicals and plays

The new musical "Chess" saw rulings for its principal cast. Actors Ramin Karimloo and Hadley Fraser will both be eligible in the Leading Actor in a Musical category.

For the play "Bug," actor Emma Corrin will be eligible in the Leading Actress in a Play category. Actor David Morse will be considered in the Featured Actor in a Play category for his performance.

The committee also ruled on the new musical "Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)." Actor Sam Tutty will be eligible in the Leading Actor in a Musical category.

Additional rulings for featured categories

Further decisions were made for performers in featured categories. For "Marjorie Prime," actor John Slattery will be eligible in the Featured Actor in a Play category.

All other eligibility for the five productions was consistent with the opening night credits. The committee's rulings are final and cannot be appealed by the producers.

What the rulings mean for the season

These decisions are crucial as they shape the competitive landscape for Broadway's highest honor. The rulings prevent vote-splitting and clarify campaigns for shows with large ensembles.

The 79th Annual Tony Awards will be held in June 2026. The official nominations will be announced in late April or early May of that year.

The committee will meet three more times this season to rule on other productions. Their next meeting is scheduled for March 2026.