Audiences Can’t Get Enough of Denzel & Jake’s Othello—But the Tonys Just Ignored It Completely
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal’s highly anticipated production of Othello has made Broadway history in terms of box office success, but surprisingly, the production was shut out of the 2025 Tony Award nominations. Despite drawing massive crowds and breaking box office records, the modern take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy has faced mixed reviews, leaving many to wonder why such a high-profile show with an all-star cast didn’t earn a single nomination.
A Record-Breaking Success on Broadway
Since opening at the Barrymore Theatre on March 23, Othello has been nothing short of a financial triumph. With a capital investment of up to $9 million, the play has already recouped its full investment within just nine weeks. The production has set records as the highest-grossing play revival in Broadway history, with some orchestra seats selling for over $900. This marks a significant milestone for the play, especially considering its limited engagement of only 15 weeks.
The success of Othello on Broadway has been undeniable. It shattered the weekly record for the top-grossing play in Broadway history, a testament to the star power of Washington and Gyllenhaal and the allure of Shakespeare’s tragic tale. The play has sold out every performance since its debut, drawing large crowds eager to see the two acclaimed actors portray the roles of Othello and Iago, respectively.
The Mixed Critical Reception
Despite the financial success, the critical reception to Othello has been far more divided. Variety’s Daniel D’Addario described the production as falling flat, criticizing director Kenny Leon’s approach, which he felt lacked depth. D’Addario pointed out that the production appeared to be focused more on delivering the text of Shakespeare’s play rather than offering a fresh or innovative interpretation.
Many critics have echoed similar sentiments, arguing that while Washington’s portrayal of Othello and Gyllenhaal’s scheming Iago were compelling, the overall direction and execution of the play left something to be desired. This has led some to question whether the play’s massive box office success was more a result of star power and curiosity than artistic merit.
The Snub at the Tony Awards
Despite its financial success, Othello was conspicuously absent from the list of nominees for the 2025 Tony Awards, particularly in the category of Best Play Revival. This snub is particularly surprising given the play’s box office success and the star-studded cast. In fact, the production is the highest-earning play revival ever, yet it was completely shut out of contention by the Tony voters.
This year’s Tony Award nominees for Best Play Revival include another Shakespearean tragedy, Romeo + Juliet, along with Eureka Day, Our Town, and Yellow Face. Other major nominees for Best Play include Death Becomes Her, a campy comedy about frenemies obsessed with staying youthful, Maybe Happy Ending, a heartfelt tale about two robots in love, and Buena Vista Social Club, a musical celebration of Cuban music and culture. Each of these productions scored a leading 10 nominations, while Othello was nowhere to be found.
A Complex Equation of Success and Recognition
The stark contrast between Othello‘s box office triumph and its exclusion from the Tony nominations highlights the complex relationship between commercial success and critical acclaim. Broadway productions often experience a delicate balancing act between drawing in large crowds and satisfying theater critics. In this case, Othello‘s high ticket sales were a clear reflection of the allure of its cast and the enduring popularity of Shakespeare’s work, but its lack of a fresh take or artistic risk may have ultimately hindered its chances for recognition from the Tony voters.
As the 2025 Tony Awards ceremony approaches, the snubbing of Othello serves as a reminder of the subjective nature of award nominations and the sometimes unpredictable nature of the Broadway theater scene. While the production has earned its place in Broadway history as the highest-grossing play revival, its failure to secure Tony nominations signals that success on the stage does not always translate to the same level of critical or peer recognition.
For now, Othello will continue to delight audiences with its star-studded cast and massive financial success, but its exclusion from the Tony Awards leaves many questioning what factors truly determine artistic recognition on Broadway.
