In a night of triumph, the 2023 Olivier Awards honored excellence in UK theatre, with John Lithgow and Lesley Manville taking home top prizes for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively.
Big Winners Take Home Top Olivier Prizes
The 2023 Olivier Awards took place on Sunday, recognizing excellence in UK theatre. Among the big winners were Lesley Manville and John Lithgow, who took home the top prizes for Best Actress and Best Actor respectively.
A Special Relationship: John Lithgow‘s Victory
John Lithgow won his first ‘Olivier Award’ at the age of 79, beating out stiff competition with his portrayal of Roald Dahl in Giant. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to the English people and assured them that ‘the special relationship is still firmly intact.’ This victory marks a significant milestone for Lithgow, who has recently starred in the Oscar-winning film Conclave.
John Lithgow is a renowned American actor known for his versatility and range.
Born on October 19, 1945, in Rochester, New York, he has appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career.
Lithgow has received numerous awards and nominations, including six Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and an Academy Award nomination.
He is also a skilled voice actor, providing voices for animated films such as 'Shrek' and 'Ice Age'.
Lithgow's extensive experience in theater, film, and television has solidified his position as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
A Family Affair: Lesley Manville‘s Win
Lesley Manville won her second Olivier Award, following her 2014 triumph for her performance in Ghosts. Her win was dedicated to her grandson, born during the run of Oedipus. In her speech, she paid tribute to the show’s great director Robert Icke and her co-star Mark Strong.
Lesley Manville is a renowned British actress, known for her versatile performances on stage and screen.
Born on March 12, 1956, in Brighton, England, she began her career in the early 1980s.
Manville has appeared in numerous TV shows, including 'Harlots' and 'Phantom Thread,' earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of Phyllis Logan's character in the BBC drama 'Downton Abbey.' She has been nominated for several awards, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play.
A Night of Triumph: Other Winners
Other notable winners included Imelda Staunton, who won Best Actress in a Musical for Hello, Dolly!, and Layton Williams, who took home Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for Titanique. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was named Best New Musical, with John Dagleish winning Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of the titular character.
A Celebratory Ceremony
The 2023 Olivier Awards ceremony featured live performances from various shows, including Why Am I So Single?, MJ The Musical, Fiddler On The Roof, Oliver!, Starlight Express, and a 40th anniversary performance from Les Misérables. Hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter, the event was filled with excitement and celebration.
Full List of Winners
For the full list of winners, please see below:
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Best new musical: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
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Best revival: Oedipus (Wyndham’s Theatre production)
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Best musical revival: Fiddler On The Roof
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Best new play: Giant
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Best new entertainment or comedy play: Titanique
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Best new opera production: Festen
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Best actor: John Lithgow for Giant
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Best actress: Lesley Manville for Oedipus (Wyndham’s Theatre production)
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Best supporting actor: Elliot Levey for Giant
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Best supporting actress: Romola Garai for The Years
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Best actor in a musical: John Dagleish for The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
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Best actress in a musical: Imelda Staunton for Hello, Dolly!
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Best supporting actress in a musical: Maimuna Memon for Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet Of 1812
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Best supporting actor in a musical: Layton Williams for Titanique
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Best director: Eline Arbo for The Years
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Best new production in affiliate theatre: Boys On The Verge Of Tears
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Best new dance production: Assembly Hall
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Best family show: Brainiac Live
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Best theatre choreographer: Christopher Wheeldon for MJ The Musical
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Best lighting design: Paule Constable & Ben Jacobs for Oliver!
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Best sound design: Nick Lidster for Fiddler On The Roof
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Best costume design: Gabriella Slade for Starlight Express
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Best set design: Tom Scutt for Fiddler On The Roof
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Outstanding achievement in dance: Eva Yerbabuena for her performance in Yerbagüena
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Outstanding musical contribution: Darren Clark and Mark Aspinall for The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
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Outstanding achievement in opera: Allan Clayton for his performance in Festen
