81st Annual Drama League Awards Set to Take Place

The 81st annual Drama League Awards ceremony will be held today at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. The event will end a monthlong celebration that included nominee announcements by Tony winners Cherry Jones and Denis O'Hare on April 21 at Sardi's restaurant.

This year's nominees include Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper, opera star Renée Fleming, and acclaimed New York productions of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton and the West End transfer of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, among many others.

First awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935, the Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America. They recognize distinguished productions, performances, and exemplary career achievements.

The 2015 Drama League recipients for Distinguished Contributions and Achievements in the Theatre are as follows: Joel Grey will receive the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award; WNET: Neal Shapiro and David Horn will receive the Unique Contribution to the Theater Award for their work in bringing New York theater to viewers across America; and Stephen Daldry will receive the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing.