Hollywood Stars Strike Out With Tony Nominations, Outer Critics, Et Al

Broadway loves the money Hollywood stars bring to the Great White Way. But awards? That’s another story. Now that the Tony nominations have been announced, the reality of movie actors getting Tony’s, Outer Critics or other nods is sinking in. Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Chris Noth, Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Chris Rock — all of them are bring in audience, but none of them are getting statues or certificates this spring. It’s the same for Daniel Radcliffe, of “Harry Potter” fame. He’s really trying, but his performance in “How to Succeed” has last award nominators cold to his charms. For “The House of Blue Leaves,” both Stiller and Jennifer Jason Leigh were snubbed by the Tonys. Only Edie Falco has been cited by awards groups. Some of it may have to do with Hollywood stars making debuts. Falco has long been a presence on Broadway and in theater. Same for Judith Light, who’s currently in “Lombardi.” But Robin Williams? As good as he is, he’s met with resistance from critics. Same for Jim Belushi, who I’m sure theater nominators consider a TV actor. Sadly, they obviously thought the same of his “Born Yesterday” co-star Robert Sean Leonard. Ironically, the Tony Awards producers and CBS will be dying to get all those Hollywood actors onto the June 12th Tony Awards show to get some ratings. We’ll see who’s gracious enough to pitch in despite getting no love from the Tonys.