Named for playwright Lillian Hellman, The Lilly Awards were created to "recognize the extraordinary contributions made by women to the American Theater."

Receiving lifetime achievement awards this year are actress Estelle Parsons and playwright Tina Howe.

"This is an opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the contribution made to the American theatre by spectacularly talented women — often not acknowledged by the theatrical community during the end of season awards. Our honorees have worked hard to set the standard high for all theatre artists, and we feel honored and privileged to acknowledge their significant and profound contributions," said Marsha Norman in a recent statement.

Parsons will receive her Lifetime Achievement award from Frances McDormand, and Howe will receive her award from Robyn Goodman, who was the producer of her first play, Coastal Disturbances, in New York.

This year's honorees include Katori Hall, Cristin Milioti, Sarah Benson, Leslye Headland, Heidi Ettinger, Diane Paulus and Nina Arianda. The winners will be presented with their awards by Frances McDormand, David Ives, Tonya Pinkins, Lucas Papaelias, Marin Ireland, Trip Cullman, Robyn Goodman, Marsha Norman, Joyce Ketay, Nina Arianda and others.

*

The Lilly Awards and The Committee for Recognizing Women in Theater were founded in 2010 by Julie Crosby, John Eisner, Gary Garrison, Tina Howe, Julia Jordan, Marsha Norman, Theresa Rebeck, Susan Rose and Tim Sanford. Their mission is "to celebrate the work of outstanding, successful and up-and-coming women playwrights, directors, designers and advocates for the work of women in the theater."