The news, which was first reported by Variety, was confirmed by a Tony spokesperson. The ruling will allow a maximum of five nominees per category (rather than the current four nominees) should more than nine shows be eligible in a given category. Conversely, should less than nine shows qualify for a category, the Nominating Committee could choose to nominate only three shows.
"The number of shows eligible for the Tony Awards, both in the new and revival categories, will now vary based on the number of productions that open each season," according to a statement Tony Awards Productions released to Variety. "The Tony Award Administration Committee’s new ruling allows the Nominating Committee the flexibility to acknowledge the best of each season’s eligible shows."
As previously reported, Tony winner Hugh Jackman will return to host the 68th Annual Tony Awards, which will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall June 8 beginning at 8 PM ET on CBS.
