2026 Tony Awards Snubs: Lea Michele, Adrien Brody and Ayo Edebiri Miss Out on First-Time Nods

The anticipation for the 79th Annual Tony Awards has intensified following the announcement of this year’s nominations, which aired on CBS Mornings on May 5. Hosted by Uzo Aduba and Darren Criss, the nominations showcased the crème de la crème of Broadway’s talent for the 2025–26 season but also revealed some notable omissions that surprised many theatre enthusiasts.

Among the most surprising snubs was the absence of Lea Michele, who starred in the critically acclaimed revival of “Chess.” Despite her impressive performances, Michele, along with her co-star Melissa Barrera from “Titanique,” missed out on what would have been their inaugural nominations. Other prominent figures such as Ayo Edebiri, known for her Emmy-winning role in “Proof,” and stars Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach from “Dog Day Afternoon” were also overlooked. Additionally, fans of the classic “Waiting for Godot” were disappointed to see Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, who have reunited for their Broadway roles, left out of the running.

Two-time Academy Award winner Adrien Brody also found himself excluded from the nominations after his Broadway debut in “The Fear of 13,” which had received acclaim during its recent run in London’s West End. The omissions did not stop there, with Cynthia Nixon being passed over for “Marjorie Prime,” and Taraji P. Henson failing to secure a nomination for her role in “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” The recent revival of “The Rocky Horror Show,” which boasts an impressive cast, also saw several actors snubbed, including Juliette Lewis and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, known for her role in “Pose.”

Notably, the musical “Chess,” in which Michele features prominently, did not receive a nomination for Best Revival of a Musical. While Michele’s performance has garnered acclaim—especially following her standout role in “Funny Girl”—her eligibility for a Tony was compromised because Beanie Feldstein originated the role.

Another casualty of this year’s nominations was the new musical “The Queen of Versailles,” which starred Kristin Chenoweth but closed early last fall without a single nomination to its name. This absence further highlights the competitive nature of the Tony Awards and the difficulty in standing out among such a vast array of talent.

Recognised as the pinnacle of theatre awards, the Tony Awards, presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, honour excellence in live Broadway performances. The ceremony is set to take place at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on June 7, providing a platform to recognise the talent that makes Broadway a beloved destination.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by the multi-talented Pink, whose real name is Alecia Moore. Expressing her excitement about the event, Pink stated, “It is the honour of an entire lifetime to host a night celebrating the literal hardest working people in showbiz.” She emphasised the importance of the Broadway community in shaping her career and expressed her eagerness to celebrate the remarkable individuals who contribute to the magic of theatre.

As the date approaches, anticipation for the ceremony continues to grow. The nominations of this year not only highlight the talent present on Broadway but also stir conversations about the criteria that determine recognition within the industry. With the ceremony broadcasting from 8 to 11 p.m. EST on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ in the United States, it promises to be a memorable night for both nominees and fans alike.

In a world where recognition can often hinge on a single performance, this year’s Tony nominations have stirred a blend of admiration and disappointment within the theatre community, as the absence of prestigious names reminds us that the stage is a competition as fierce as any. As fans and performers prepare for the ceremony, discussions regarding inclusivity and recognition continue to linger, marking yet another chapter in the evolving narrative of Broadway.