First non-binary actors win Tony Awards
BY LAUREN SFORZA - 06/12/23
THE HILL
THE HILL
Associated Press images
Broadway performs Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee became the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards on Sunday evening.
“Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer, nonbinary, fat, Black little baby from Massachusetts,” Newell said in their acceptance speech for best featured actor in a musical. “And to anyone that thinks that they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face that you can do anything you put your mind to.”
Newell won for their performance as Lulu in the musical “Shucked,” a comedy that hit the stage in March.
Ghee later won the award for best leading actor in “Some Like it Hot,” a musical that is based on the famous 1959 film. ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ author Elizabeth Gilbert pulling latest book over ‘enormous’ pushback to Russian settingTonys presenter mocks DeSantis: ‘The current grand wizard’ of Florida
Composer Toby Marlow of “Six” became the first nonbinary person to receive a Tony Award last year.
Like other award shows, the Tonys uses gendered categories for best actor and best actress awards, so nominees who identity as nonbinary must choose which category that they want to be nominated in. “& Juliet” performer Justin David Sullivan withdrew their consideration for an award due to this requirement, saying in a statement to Deadline that the award structure does “not hold space for people like me.”
“Because I was told I had no other option but to choose between one of the two gendered categories in which I would be eligible,” Sullivan said in a statement. “I felt that I had no choice but to abstain from being considered for a nomination this season.”
Broadway performs Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee became the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards on Sunday evening.
“Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer, nonbinary, fat, Black little baby from Massachusetts,” Newell said in their acceptance speech for best featured actor in a musical. “And to anyone that thinks that they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face that you can do anything you put your mind to.”
Newell won for their performance as Lulu in the musical “Shucked,” a comedy that hit the stage in March.
Ghee later won the award for best leading actor in “Some Like it Hot,” a musical that is based on the famous 1959 film. ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ author Elizabeth Gilbert pulling latest book over ‘enormous’ pushback to Russian settingTonys presenter mocks DeSantis: ‘The current grand wizard’ of Florida
Composer Toby Marlow of “Six” became the first nonbinary person to receive a Tony Award last year.
Like other award shows, the Tonys uses gendered categories for best actor and best actress awards, so nominees who identity as nonbinary must choose which category that they want to be nominated in. “& Juliet” performer Justin David Sullivan withdrew their consideration for an award due to this requirement, saying in a statement to Deadline that the award structure does “not hold space for people like me.”
“Because I was told I had no other option but to choose between one of the two gendered categories in which I would be eligible,” Sullivan said in a statement. “I felt that I had no choice but to abstain from being considered for a nomination this season.”
Tonys presenter mocks DeSantis: ‘The current grand wizard’ of Florida
BY JUDY KURTZ - 06/12/23
THE HILL
A Broadway actor is slamming Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), calling him the “current grand wizard” of the Sunshine State, while appearing at the Tony Awards.
Denée Benton took to the stage Sunday at the 76th annual awards ceremony, which honors productions in New York City’s famed theater district.
“Earlier tonight, [Carnegie Mellon University] and the Tony Awards presented the 2023 Excellence in Theater Education Award,” Benton, the star of Broadway’s “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812,” told the crowd at the ceremony, broadcasted by CBS.
“And while I am certain that the current grand wizard — I’m sorry, excuse me, governor — of my home state of Florida will be changing …” Benton said, before pausing with a laugh as the audience burst into applause at the Ku Klux Klan-inspired slur aimed at DeSantis, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate.
“I’m sure that he’ll be changing the name of this following town immediately,” Benton continued with a grin as she recognized the education award’s winner, a teacher in Plantation, Fla.
A spokesman from the governor’s office didn’t immediately return ITK’s request for comment about Benton’s remark.
Although the Tony-nominated performer didn’t cite the motivation behind the slight, the NAACP has issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida over policies seen as anti-Black.
“Anybody that has been following what’s been happening in Florida understands that it’s essentially become a hostile territory for Black people in the state,” Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter, said last month.
DeSantis faced criticism earlier this year after his administration rejected an Advanced Placement African American studies course from being taught in Florida schools. DeSantis’s administration said the course’s content was “inexplicably contrary to Florida law” and “significantly [lacked] educational value.”
A Broadway actor is slamming Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), calling him the “current grand wizard” of the Sunshine State, while appearing at the Tony Awards.
Denée Benton took to the stage Sunday at the 76th annual awards ceremony, which honors productions in New York City’s famed theater district.
“Earlier tonight, [Carnegie Mellon University] and the Tony Awards presented the 2023 Excellence in Theater Education Award,” Benton, the star of Broadway’s “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812,” told the crowd at the ceremony, broadcasted by CBS.
“And while I am certain that the current grand wizard — I’m sorry, excuse me, governor — of my home state of Florida will be changing …” Benton said, before pausing with a laugh as the audience burst into applause at the Ku Klux Klan-inspired slur aimed at DeSantis, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate.
“I’m sure that he’ll be changing the name of this following town immediately,” Benton continued with a grin as she recognized the education award’s winner, a teacher in Plantation, Fla.
A spokesman from the governor’s office didn’t immediately return ITK’s request for comment about Benton’s remark.
Although the Tony-nominated performer didn’t cite the motivation behind the slight, the NAACP has issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida over policies seen as anti-Black.
“Anybody that has been following what’s been happening in Florida understands that it’s essentially become a hostile territory for Black people in the state,” Cliff Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter, said last month.
DeSantis faced criticism earlier this year after his administration rejected an Advanced Placement African American studies course from being taught in Florida schools. DeSantis’s administration said the course’s content was “inexplicably contrary to Florida law” and “significantly [lacked] educational value.”
“We want education, not indoctrination,” DeSantis said in January about the move.
It’s not the first time an entertainer has made headlines with a political attack from the Tonys stage.
In 2018, Robert De Niro received a standing ovation after repeatedly declaring “f— Trump,” in a criticism of the then-president.
Broadway actress Denée Benton takes aim at DeSantis, calls him 'Grand Wizard' of Florida
ByPrapti Upadhayay
Jun 12, 2023
Broadway actress Denée Benton sparks controversy at Tony Awards, compares Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a KKK leader in onstage speech.
Sunday night's Tony Awards took an unexpected turn when Denée Benton, a prominent Broadway actress, compared Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to a Ku Klux Klan leader during her onstage presentation. As she presented the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, Benton, a Florida native, made the controversial remark that sparked outrage and applause from the left-leaning crowd.
ByPrapti Upadhayay
Jun 12, 2023
Broadway actress Denée Benton sparks controversy at Tony Awards, compares Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a KKK leader in onstage speech.
Sunday night's Tony Awards took an unexpected turn when Denée Benton, a prominent Broadway actress, compared Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to a Ku Klux Klan leader during her onstage presentation. As she presented the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, Benton, a Florida native, made the controversial remark that sparked outrage and applause from the left-leaning crowd.
Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at an event held by the Never Back Down PAC in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
(Nathan J. Fish/The Oklahoman via AP)(AP)
Benton, known for her roles in hit Broadway shows like "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812" and "Hamilton," used the moment to deliver a political attack on DeSantis, drawing attention to his controversial policies and actions. Her comments were made without the assistance of a script, as the Tony Awards proceeded amid an ongoing writers' strike.
While introducing the award winner, Benton took a jab at the Republican governor, saying, "And while I am certain that the current Grand Wizard — I’m sorry, excuse me, governor — of my home state of Florida… I'm sure that he will be changing the name of the following town immediately." The mention of Plantation, Florida, prompted cheers and applause from the audience.
DeSantis, who recently announced his presidential bid, has not yet responded to Benton's remarks on his social media channels. His tenure as governor has been marked by controversy and opposition, particularly from civil rights advocates. In 2019, he signed the highly criticized "Don't Say Gay" bill, and he retaliated against Walt Disney Co. when the company expressed criticism by eliminating a special tax district around Walt Disney World.
The NAACP previously issued a travel advisory for Florida, citing concerns about DeSantis's policies and their impact on marginalized communities. The advisory claimed that the state is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. It accused Florida of devaluing their contributions and challenges.
Also Read | Florida Governor DeSantis declares war on 'woke' culture - Says, 'woke goes to die' in my state
This is not the first time the Tony Awards have become a platform for personal political attacks. In 2018, Robert De Niro famously yelled "F--- Trump!" during his onstage appearance, receiving thunderous applause.
DeSantis has consistently waded into the culture wars, particularly regarding education and parental rights. He recently signed SB 266, which restricts state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public universities and grants more authority to university presidents over hiring practices. The bill aligns with his fight against what he perceives as "woke" influences in education.
With his presidential campaign underway, DeSantis has pledged to continue his battle against the so-called "war on woke." As for Benton, her Tony Awards remarks have undoubtedly added fuel to the fiery political discourse surrounding DeSantis and his policies, further highlighting the deep divisions within the country.
Benton, known for her roles in hit Broadway shows like "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812" and "Hamilton," used the moment to deliver a political attack on DeSantis, drawing attention to his controversial policies and actions. Her comments were made without the assistance of a script, as the Tony Awards proceeded amid an ongoing writers' strike.
While introducing the award winner, Benton took a jab at the Republican governor, saying, "And while I am certain that the current Grand Wizard — I’m sorry, excuse me, governor — of my home state of Florida… I'm sure that he will be changing the name of the following town immediately." The mention of Plantation, Florida, prompted cheers and applause from the audience.
DeSantis, who recently announced his presidential bid, has not yet responded to Benton's remarks on his social media channels. His tenure as governor has been marked by controversy and opposition, particularly from civil rights advocates. In 2019, he signed the highly criticized "Don't Say Gay" bill, and he retaliated against Walt Disney Co. when the company expressed criticism by eliminating a special tax district around Walt Disney World.
The NAACP previously issued a travel advisory for Florida, citing concerns about DeSantis's policies and their impact on marginalized communities. The advisory claimed that the state is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. It accused Florida of devaluing their contributions and challenges.
Also Read | Florida Governor DeSantis declares war on 'woke' culture - Says, 'woke goes to die' in my state
This is not the first time the Tony Awards have become a platform for personal political attacks. In 2018, Robert De Niro famously yelled "F--- Trump!" during his onstage appearance, receiving thunderous applause.
DeSantis has consistently waded into the culture wars, particularly regarding education and parental rights. He recently signed SB 266, which restricts state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public universities and grants more authority to university presidents over hiring practices. The bill aligns with his fight against what he perceives as "woke" influences in education.
With his presidential campaign underway, DeSantis has pledged to continue his battle against the so-called "war on woke." As for Benton, her Tony Awards remarks have undoubtedly added fuel to the fiery political discourse surrounding DeSantis and his policies, further highlighting the deep divisions within the country.
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