Three Broadway shows, 'Buena Vista Social Club,' 'Death Becomes Her,' and 'Maybe Happy Ending,' each received ten Tony Award nominations, leading the pack among a diverse field of 29 shows recognized this year. These musicals, along with others like 'Dead Outlaw' and 'Operation Mincemeat,' are competing in various categories, showcasing a range of genres from historical narratives to romantic comedies involving androids. In the best play category, new works such as 'English' by Sanaz Toossi and 'The Hills of California' by Jez Butterworth are highlighted, with themes exploring cultural identity, family dynamics, and feminist reinterpretations of classic tales. Notable individual nominations include Audra McDonald seeking her seventh Tony for her role in 'Gypsy,' and George Clooney, Sarah Snook, and Bob Odenkirk recognized for their performances in plays. However, some high-profile productions and actors, such as Denzel Washington in 'Othello' and Robert Downey Jr. in 'McNeal,' did not receive nominations, reflecting the competitive nature of this year's awards.

The leading nominations were secured by 'Buena Vista Social Club,' 'Death Becomes Her,' and 'Maybe Happy Ending,' each with ten nods, indicating a broad spread of recognition across different genres and themes in this year's Tony Awards.

The best musical category features a competition between adaptations of well-known films and original concepts, such as 'Buena Vista Social Club,' 'Death Becomes Her,' and the android-centered rom-com 'Maybe Happy Ending,' alongside an intriguing musical about a historical bandit, 'Dead Outlaw.'

Competing for the best play are works like 'English,' which delves into the lives of Iranian students preparing for an English exam, and 'The Hills of California,' which captures a poignant family moment during the summer of 1976, highlighting a diverse range of storytelling.

Audra McDonald, known for her record-holding six Tony wins, is nominated again for her role in 'Gypsy,' while other actors like George Clooney and Sarah Snook also received nods for their performances, underscoring the blend of veteran and fresh talent in this year's nominations.

Despite the high-profile nature of some productions, such as 'Othello' with Denzel Washington and 'McNeal' featuring Robert Downey Jr., they received no nominations, illustrating the tough competition and selective recognition by the Tony committee.

The Tony Awards ceremony will be held at Radio City Music Hall, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, a celebrated Tony winner, promising a night of celebration and recognition for the best in Broadway.

In addition to the nominated shows and performers, several notable productions and actors were left without nominations, including Idina Menzel in 'Redwood' and the Stephen Sondheim revue, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the awards process.