The Olivier Awards, Britain’s most prestigious theatre awards, celebrated the best of London’s West End with a star-studded ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall on April 14, 2024. With nominees spanning film, television, and music stars, the event was a dazzling showcase of talent.
Nominees and Winners
Leading the nominations was the musical revival of “Sunset Boulevard,” starring Nicole Scherzinger, which garnered 11 nods, including Best Actress in a Musical for Scherzinger and Best Actor in a Musical for her co-star, Tom Francis. The production also won for Best Musical Revival, Best Director for Jamie Lloyd, and Best Choreography.
Following closely behind was “Dear England,” a play about the England national football team’s journey, which received nine nominations. Joseph Fiennes, who portrayed Gareth Southgate, was nominated for Best Actor, while the play was also recognized for Best New Play and Best Director for Rupert Goold.
The Best Actress category saw a competitive field, with Sarah Snook of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” taking home the award. Other nominees included Sarah Jessica Parker for “Plaza Suite,” Sheridan Smith for “Shirley Valentine,” Laura Donnelly for “The Hills of California,” and Sophie Okonedo for “Medea.”
Andrew Scott won the Best Actor award for his one-man adaptation of “Vanya,” while other nominees included James Norton for “A Little Life,” David Tennant for “Macbeth,” and Mark Gatiss for “The Motive and the Cue.”
A Night of Celebration
The Olivier Awards red carpet was a glamorous affair, with celebrities donning their finest attire. Scherzinger, Snook, and Parker turned heads with their elegant ensembles, while Fiennes and Norton cut dashing figures in their suits.
The ceremony, hosted by Hannah Waddingham, featured performances by the best new musical nominees, including “The Little Big Things,” “Next to Normal,” “Operation Mincemeat,” and “A Strange Loop.”
The Olivier Awards not only celebrated the year’s outstanding performances but also honored the resilience of the theatre industry. In a year that saw the return of sold-out shows and standing ovations, the awards were a testament to the enduring power of live performance.
A Full List of Winners
– Best Actress in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger, “Sunset Boulevard”
– Best Actor in a Musical: Tom Francis, “Sunset Boulevard”
– Best Actress: Sarah Snook, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
– Best Actor: Andrew Scott, “Vanya”
– Best Director: Jamie Lloyd, “Sunset Boulevard”
– Best Musical Revival: “Sunset Boulevard”
– Best New Play: “Dear England”
– Best New Musical: “Operation Mincemeat”
– Outstanding Musical Contribution: Alan Williams, “Sunset Boulevard”
– Best Supporting Actor: Will Close, “Dear England”
– Best Supporting Actress: Haydn Gwynne, “When Winston Went to War with the Wireless”
– Best Set Design: Miriam Buether, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”
– Best Costume Design: Marg Horwell, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
– Best Lighting Design: Jack Knowles, “Sunset Boulevard”
– Best Sound Design: Adam Fisher, “Sunset Boulevard”
