Lin-Manuel Miranda
I am not sure any of this goes together, and I don't care. The only thing I'm sad about is that Javier Munoz doesn't get some kind of asterisk Tony nomination for being the right-hand man. He is a phenomenal Hamilton in his own right, and I feel like Lin getting to sit out and watch the show on a regular basis is what helps keep him fresh and it tight.
Leslie Odom Jr.
BEST ACTOR. I love LMM, but Leslie Odom Jr. is a force of nature and his Burr is the surprising lynchpin of the show. I think it'll be hard to resist voting for A.Ham over A.Burr, but I hope people do. I am lucky to have been in the room where it happens, and if you think Leslie Odom kills it on the soundtrack, then I am here to tell you he annihilates it, reincarnates it, and then kills it again -- four times over -- in person. And he looks dreamy.
Daveed Diggs
It's a big debate, whether he should win supporting actor. I think he WILL win it, and you certainly can't object if he does -- he plays two parts, makes them each different and indelible, and brings the GREATEST energy. As a total newcomer. Yes, his outfit is bananas, but I feel like.... all these people are doing eight shows a week. Even if I don't like their outfits, they only have so much time in their lives to care, and all that time is going to get funneled toward Tonys styling.
Chris Jackson
And, my boyfriend Chris Jackson is SO GOOD as Washington. He shows up and you're like, "Ahhh, okay, everything in the world is going to be fine," even when that's patently untrue. His part isn't as showy, but it's HARD to be the stabilizing force in a show without also being boring. He's so good at it.
Thomas Kail
He directed Hamilton (and Grease Live) and is totally going to win for it. I very much like his tie.
Alex Lacamoire
He's the Hamilton music guru, and per the Hamiltome, he does it all with a hearing impediment. I love what he's wearing and I love his work.
Renee Elise Goldsberry
Angelica!!!!
2016 Tony Awards Meet The Nominees Press Reception
ELIZA!!!!
Where's Peggy?!? Sigh. If only there were a nomination for Best Weird Punch Line And Act 2 Duet. Poor Peggy. Also, Philippa Soo is absurdly young; I wish she was not dressed in Lands End separates.
Jonathan Groff
What comes next, Groff? You've been freed. Do you know how hard it is to lead? You're on your own. Awesome. WOW. Do you have a clue what happens now?
[Yes, I know he's been a lead before. But I couldn't resist.]
Cynthia Erivo
She's up for lead for "The Color Purple," and I hear she is ASTONISHING in the role. I can't wait to hear her sing at the Tonys. SURELY they will have her perform. PLEASE? I also think it's sweet that she's wearing purple. Although I feel as if I need a deeper understanding of what her pants are doing.
Savion Glover
He choreographed "Shuffle Along," for which he's nominated. He looks like he just ran over from the theatre. Maybe he DID.
Megan Hilty
She's in a featured role in "Noises Off." When you've been a noted musical performer due to your pipes, it must be very gratifying to get nominated for a role that is JUST acting -- and also deeply comedic. I just hope she tailors her Tonys outfit better than she did these pants. SPRING FOR THE FINEST, Megan.
Danielle Brooks
Taystee is nominated for stealing "The Color Purple," and I read somewhere that a few pundits even predict she'll beat Renee Elise Goldsberry. I don't know that very many Hamiltonians will lose, other than two of the three men who are up against each other and also probably Philippa Soo (tough category, and the easiest one for voters to justify breaking a Hamilton monopoly). But if REG has to lose to anyone, Taystee would be a joyful choice. And while this outfit does not light my flame, we've seen her in such colorful, lighthearted formalwear in the past that I'm DEEPLY stoked to see what she pulls out.
Lupita Nyong'o
FLATS. Interesting! It kind of works for me, actually, as a refreshing change. And the coral color is great on her.
Laura Benanti
I heard she's terrific in 'She Loves Me,' and I love her in almost everything, so it'd be exciting if she won for lead in a musical. I also really love those Paul Andrew shoes and hope their ilk turn up soon on eBay.
Zach Levi
Zach is in "She Loves Me," and he looks nice, but his HAIR... the thing is, he will always be Chuck Bartowski to me, and thus, I will ALWAYS miss his Chuck Bartowski hair. Every incarnation of it.
Michelle Williams
Michelle, you sly fox, we can still see the bangs. You swept back the part of your hair that WASN'T the problem.
Jane Krakowski
... Is she wearing a cloth iPhone cover?