Andy51 said: "Kad said: "The Tony is all but engraved for Hayes."
I'm curious whether your view here is grounded primarily in a view about what you predict Tony voters will go for, or whether it is equally based on a view about who merits the award. I haven't seen Hayes' performance yet and look forward to it, but some of the other contenders for best actor this year gave such phenomenal performances (Wendell Pierce, Corey Hawkins, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Oscar Isaac) that it is hard for me to imagine how Hayes could stand so clearly above them in terms of merit.
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Merit is only ever part of the story. The role itself is the sort that nominators and voters go for- it’s transformative, it dominates the show, it’s based on a real figure, and it’s a true showcase for Hayes. I won’t say he’s the best actor of the season- that’s certainly subjective. But this is easily the flashiest, most award-baiting performance. And unlike a lot of such performances, this is executed very well. Hayes is also a well-liked and recognizable actor who is doing something unexpected and doing it very well. And opening at the end of the season was a smart move, as it’ll be fresh on everybody’s mind.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."