Lead Actor in a Play 2026- Page 2
Lead Actor in a Play 2026
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/30/17
Lead Actor in a Play 2026#25
Posted: 4/1/26 at 1:55am
Oh, I think that's right re: Lortel. David Wilson Barnes (who played Max) was nominated for something else (The Big Meal) in 2012
David Wilson Barnes was nominated for the Drama League (distinguished performance) for Max in 2009.
So maybe he could go leading?
Lead Actor in a Play 2026#26
Posted: 4/5/26 at 9:34am
No doubt Lithgow will be nominated and he may win, but having seen it last night I thought he was very good but it wasn’t a performance that left an indelible mark on me. I doubt I’ll be thinking about it in a few months.
Lead Actor in a Play 2026#27
Posted: 5/7/26 at 3:11am
Perhaps Mark Strong will win for Oedipus, which I did not see, but my impression is that most people think the race will come down to John Lithgow and Nathan Lane.
I thought both were terrific in their respective roles, so I won’t be unhappy either way. Lithgow’s advantage is, as mentioned above, it’s a little tough to imagine another actor playing Roald Dahl so effectively. I don’t think Giant is a great play, but it is a fantastic role that allows Lithgow to play to his many strengths as an actor.
Lane’s disadvantage is the ghost of other Willy Lomans in fine productions of Death of a Salesman. But as I think back, it is Lane’s performance that has stuck with me. The play is a classic for a reason, the direction is stellar, and the supporting cast is excellent. But Lane so wonderfully captures Willy Loman’s delusions and his tragic smallness - for lack of a more eloquent word. There were moments in the play that felt palpably devastating - and that is to Lane’s immense credit.
I had never seen a full stage production of Death of a Salesman before, so perhaps that’s why it hit so hard - especially from the fourth row of the orchestra.
Lead Actor in a Play 2026#28
Posted: 5/7/26 at 6:54am
bear882, I had seen several other Willy Lomans before I saw the current revival, and they make me appreciate Lane's all the more. Strong and Harrison were outstanding and I haven't seen Lithgow or Radcliffe, but I would love to see Lane win this. If he doesn’t, my opinion won’t be altered. I'm never going to forget his performance or the magnificent production he is in.
Updated On: 5/7/26 at 06:54 AMLead Actor in a Play 2026#29
Posted: 5/7/26 at 2:21pm
Nathan Lane is definitely playing the better role in a much better play. But John Lithgow is doing amazing work in a role he’s originated.
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