As we continue to soak in the spring opening season on Broadway, we’d like to take a moment and recognize that the parks of New York City won’t be the only ones getting their flowers!
As it does every year, spring marks awards season here in the Big Apple. From the Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama to the Obie Awards celebrating Off-Broadway productions, here is your complete 2026 New York City theater award season guide and timeline.
Your Guide to Theater Awards
Tony Awards
The Tony Awards are considered the highest honor of American theater. The 79th Annual Tony Awards will be taking place at Radio City Music Hall this year. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League recognizing excellence on Broadway. Read more about this year’s ceremony here.
Pulitzer Prize for Drama
The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the Pulitzer Prizes awarded annually. The award is presented for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source and dealing with American life.
Drama League Awards
The 92nd Annual Drama League Awards will be presented this year. The Drama League Awards honor distinguished productions and performances both on Broadway and Off-Broadway. Uniquely, they contain both an industry and public voting body. The awards present seven awards and four special honors. This year’s honorees include Kamilah Forbes, Caissie Levy, David Cromer, and Scott Ellis.
The Drama Desk Awards
The Drama Desk Awards are presented for excellence in Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway New York Theater. This year marks the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards.
Outer Critics Circle Awards
The 75th Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards are taking place this spring. These awards honor Broadway and Off-Broadway theatrical achievements, and are voted by non-NYC based critics to provide an outsider’s perspective on the New York City theater scene.
Obie Awards
The American Theatre Wing presents the Annual Obie Awards, honoring excellence in Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway. With no set categories, the Obies historically provide more flexible honors with a focus on downtown, experimental work.
Lucille Lortel Awards
The Lucille Lortel Awards have been honoring Off-Broadway New York Theater since 1985. Their analog most closely resembles that of the Tony Awards, making them a standout presentation for Off-Broadway productions. This year, Mia Katigbak will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award and William Finn will be inducted into the Playwright’s Sidewalk in front of the Lucille Lortel Theatre.
2026 Theater Awards Timeline
Events listed in chronological order.
January
January 31: Obie Award Winners Announced
April
April 1: Lucille Lortel Award Nominations Announced
April 20: Drama League Award Nominations Announced
April 21: Outer Critic Circle Award Nominations Announced
April 26: Tony Awards Eligibility Cutoff Date
April 29: Drama Desk Award Nominations Announced
May
May 3: Lucille Lortel Awards Ceremony
May 4: Pulitzer Prize for Drama Winner and Finalists Announced
May 5: Tony Award Nominations Announced
May 11: Outer Critics Circle Award Winners Announced
May 15: Drama League Awards Ceremony
May 17: Drama Desk Awards Ceremony
May 21: Outer Critics Circle Awards Ceremony
June
June 7: Tony Awards Ceremony
For more information on the Tony Awards including the list of shows eligible for nomination and what we know about the Tony Awards ceremony, visit here.
