The marquees might be dimmed once again as the Tony Awards 2023 won't be broadcasted on television because of the ongoing Writer's Guild of America strike. Despite the script being written already before the strike commenced, the WGA and the Tony Awards Management Committee did not come to an agreement on a waiver to allow the annual Tony show to be aired on television.
The 2023 Tony Awards was supposed to take place on Jun. 11, 2023, at the United Palace in Washington Heights in New York City to be aired on CBS and Paramount+.
Tony Awards 2023 Canceled on Television?
The Hollywood Reporter said in an exclusive release that the Tony Awards Management Committee sought permission from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) to have a waiver and conduct the 2023 Tony Awards as planned in June 2023.
The WGA reportedly turned down the request to air a televised show. In case you were wondering, writers are needed for the show to take place. Although a script has already been written beforehand, continuing the show despite their refusal to waive might prompt writers to picket in front of the venue to protest.
Because of this, the committee will reconvene n a meeting this Monday to weigh on two things - (a) continue the show as planned on Jun. 11, 2023, with no televised show, or (b) wait for the strike to end for a televised show.
The publication also reported that they might be open to a delay as it is a huge promotional tool for the industry.
Unlike the Grammy Awards, Academy Awards, and Emmy Awards, the Tony Awards broadcast were crucial in the upkeep of the shows on Broadway. This is because many are relying on the Tony Awards for promotion on which musicals to watch on Broadway.
Artists, writers, and other industry figures have vowed not to cross the picket in solidarity with the writers. People like Lin Manuel Miranda who was vital in the production of previous shows, including the award-winning opening numbers, have explicitly vowed not to cross the picket line.
READ ALSO: WGA Strike Explained: How Will It Affect Music on Television?
According to Billboard, this was the second time in the past three years that an external event prevented the show from taking place originally as it was scheduled.
Notably in 2020, the show was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. It only hit streaming and television in 2021.
Tony Awards 2023 Nominees
"Some Like It Hot" leads the 2023 Tony Awards in nominations including Best Musical and two Best Leading Actor nominees. The Best Revival of a Musical category was considered by many to be a cutthroat category as "Sweeney Todd," "Into the Woods," "Camelot," and "Parade" all vying for one of the top awards.
Actors like Jessica Chastain, Samuel L. Jackson, Josh Groban, and Sara Bareilles are manifesting their respective wins in their acting categories both in the play and musical categories.
READ ALSO: Tony Awards 2023 Nominations List Announced: 'Some Like It Hot' Racked 13 Nods
