First awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935, The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America, predating the Tony Awards by twelve years. They are the only major theatregoers awards chosen by audience members -- specifically, by the thousands of Drama League members nationwide who attend Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.



The Drama League Awards honor distinguished productions, performances, and exemplary career achievements in musical theatre and directing. The first Drama League Award was presented to Katharine Cornell in 1935. Since then, the Distinguished Performance Award has been accorded to a roster of theatre legends such as Liam Neeson, Hugh Jackman, Patti LuPone, Glenn Close, Liev Schreiber, Sir John Gielgud, Harvey Fierstein, Cherry Jones, Alec Guinness, James Earl Jones, Julie Harris, Helen Hayes, Jeremy Irons, Mary-Louise Parker, Sir Ian McKellen, Bernadette Peters, and Christopher Plummer.

At the height of the theatrical season each May, The Drama League Awards are presented in a star-studded ceremony during The Annual Awards Luncheon, attended by a star-studded guest list of performers, directors, producers, and Drama League members. Lauded as "a wonderful, notoriously swanky affair" by Playbill and as "the best party on Broadway" by John Lithgow, the Awards Luncheon is considered the most intimate, friendly, and enjoyable event in the awards season. Peruse our eight decades of history below. To attend the next Annual Awards Luncheon in May, call (212) 244-9494, extension 5.

THE DRAMA LEAGUE AWARDS

The Distinguished Performance Award
Outstanding Production of A Play
Oustanding Production of a Musical
Outstanding Revival of a Play
Outstanding Revival of a Musical

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

Unique Contribution to the Theatre Award
Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre
The Julia Hansen Award for Excellence in Directing