Award season is really year round. While some of the most prestigious awards shows have passed, fans still have several awards shows to look forward to in the coming months. That includes the 2023 Tony Awards.

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The Tony Awards are known as the “Oscars of the Theater.” A Tony is one of the most prestigious honors in the world of live stage performances. Since 1947, the awards have recognized achievements in Broadway productions, honoring outstanding performances, plays, musicals, and creative talents in the theater world.

This year’s Tony Awards will look a bit different than usual, however. The ongoing WGA Writer’s Strike has affected almost every scripted program and the Tonys are not exempt. Awards shows are also scripted, but during a strike, options are limited. In order to produce this year’s show, organizers have agreed to run the entire broadcast unscripted. The organizers of the strike did turn down the Tony’s attempt at hiring writers for the show only, but agreed to not picket the broadcast and ceremony.

This year, many Black women in the theater space are being recognized for their work. Here are a few to look out for.

Black Women Up For A Tony

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Actress, Audra McDonald received a nomination for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a play. Broadway critics have applauded her work in the play “Ohio State Murders”. When speaking to Deadline about the nomination, she shared how honored she was to work with the team.

“Having the opportunity to work with Kenny Leon, and to be a part of Adrienne Kennedy’s long-overdue Broadway debut of her extraordinary, relevant, and powerful work, was one of the most important artistic experiences of my life,” McDonald told Deadline.

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“Some Like it Hot” co-writer, Amber Ruffin, is one to look out for at this year’s Tony Awards. The play received 13 nominations this year.

“We are thrilled to be nominated alongside so many from our Some Like It Hot family. Our show has always been to us about the power of the community to uplift individuals,” Ruffin told Deadline. “That it has been received by audiences and by the Tony nominators with that same spirit makes this all feel full circle.”

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Nikki Crawford is another Black woman to keep an eye out for at this year’s ceremony. She received a nomination for best featured actress for her performance in “Fat Ham.” The play received several nominations for best play, best direction of a play, and best costume design of a play.

The 2023 Tony Awards will air Sunday, June 11 on CBS.