Good News Day

Tonys: Four Black Actors Win Best Musical Performances for First Time

''Take that, Oscars.

As the Academy is just recovering from its #OscarsSoWhite fiasco, stemming from its all-white acting nominees, the Tony Awards set a new benchmark in diversity, thanks in large part to big winner “Hamilton.” The show saw all four musical acting awards (lead actor, lead actress, featured actor and featured actress) go to black actors for the first time of the ceremony’s history.

Three of those awards went to Broadway hit “Hamilton,” which has been heralded specifically for its diverse cast: Leslie Odom, Jr. (lead actor), Daveed Diggs (featured actor) and Renee Elise Goldsberry (featured actress) took home the prizes. “The Color Purple” broke “Hamilton’s” streak by winning Cynthia Erivo lead actress, but the fact remains: the 70th edition of Broadway’s biggest night made history...''

by Alex Stedman