Awards History

Audra McDonald Receives Drama League Award against a purple curtain

Categories

Distinguished Performance Award

Originally known as the Delia Austrian Medal, the Distinguished Performance Award is the oldest and most exclusive theatrical honor in North America. First presented to Katharine Cornell in 1935, the Award is bestowed each season on a single performer from dozens of nominees chosen from the season’s Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.

Outstanding Production of a Play

First bestowed in 1996, the Outstanding Production of a Play Award recognizes a full production. 

Outstanding Production of a Musical

First bestowed in 1996, the Outstanding Production of a Musical Award recognizes a full production. 

Outstanding Revival of a Play and Outstanding Revival of a Musical

First bestowed in 1996, the Outstanding Revival Award now recognizes a full production of a Musical and a Play. 

Outstanding Direction of a Play

In 2022, The Drama League first presented competitive awards for direction, to more fully illuminate its mission as the nation’s preeminent career development home for directors.

Outstanding Direction of a Musical

In 2022, The Drama League first presented competitive awards for direction, to more fully illuminate its mission as the nation’s preeminent career development home for directors.

Founders Award for Excellence in Directing

In 2000, the Drama League intensified its educational focus on the art and craft of theatrical direction, creating a new award to honor the lifetime achievements of directors.

Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater

First bestowed in 1985, the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre recognizes performers, composers, lyricists, choreographers, and directors whose careers have defined the utmost standard of excellence in musicals.

Contribution to the Theater Award

First bestowed in 1982, the Contribution to the Theatre Award recognizes singular achievement by individuals, organizations, or partnerships that have made an indelible impact upon professional theatre in New York City.

The Gratitude Award

After 2020, the Gratitude Award became an official award to thank undersung heroes of the New York theater community. 

Unique Awards for 2021

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, The Drama League honored digital and socially-distanced productions with a distinct set of awards.