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Tonys Shockers: 'Cats' Wins Big Over 'Salesman'
8 Jun
Summary
- Ragtime secured four Tony Awards, narrowly beating Cats: The Jellicle Ball.
- Cats: The Jellicle Ball directors won best direction over Ragtime's.
- Christopher Abbott and Nathan Lane were among notable Tony snubs.
The 2026 Tony Awards concluded with 'Ragtime' taking home four awards, narrowly edging out 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' which received three. In a surprising turn, the directing duo behind 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' won Best Direction of a Musical, triumphing over the director of 'Ragtime'.
Further surprises unfolded in the acting categories. Ali Louis Bourzgui's win for featured actor in a musical over theater legend André De Shields for 'Cats' was unexpected. Alden Ehrenreich's victory for featured actor in a play over Christopher Abbott from 'Death of a Salesman' also defied expectations.
Nathan Lane's loss in the lead actor in a play category to John Lithgow was another significant outcome. Several other nominated shows, including 'The Rocky Horror Show' and 'Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)', left the ceremony empty-handed.
