Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Linda Emond Among Equity Award Winners

Justin Boone and Ruben Santiago-Hudson
in Joe Turner's Come and Gone.
Credit: Julieta Cervantes

Just when you thought we were running out of theater awards, here comes another batch. The Actors' Equity Foundation Award winners have been announced. Presented by the stage actors' union, the accolades honor newcomers, veteran performers, and actors tackling classical roles. The 2026 Clarence Derwent Awards go to McKenzie Kurtz (Schmigadoon, Heathers) and Ali Louis Boutzgui (The Lost Boys). Established in 1945, the Derwent Awards are for the outstanding performances by those at the beginning of their careers.

The 2026 Richard Seff Awards will be presented to Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Joe Turner's Come and Gone) and Linda Emond (Becky Shaw). Established in 2004, the Seff Awards are for outstanding performers over 50 who have been in Equity for at least 25 years. 

The Joseph Calloway Award, established in 1989, for the best performances in a classic play goes to McKinley Belcher III (Titus Andronicus, Coriolanus) and Olivia Reis (Oedipus, Titus Andronicus).

The Judges Panel for the 2025-2026 seasonal performance awards included Joe Dziemianowicz, New York Theatre Guide; Adam Feldman, Time Out New York; Elysa Gardner, New York Sun, New York Stage Review; Kobi Kassal, Theatrely; and Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter, New York Stage Review. The awards will be presented on June 22 at the Green Fig in Manhattan in a ceremony hosted by Julie Halston.

Equity Foundation Awards

Nicholas Barasch, Ramin Karimloo, and
Jinkx Monsoon in Pirates! The Penzance Musical.
Credit: Joan Marcus

The winners of the Equity Foundation Awards have been announced. The Clarence Derwent Awards for rising talent in supporting roles go to Julia Lester of All-Nighter and Nicholas Barasch of Pirates! The Penzance Musical. The Richard Seff Awards for stage veterans in supporting roles go to Jessica Hecht of Eureka Day and Francis Jue of Yellow Face. The Joseph A. Callaway Awards for classical roles go to Steve Epp (Henry IV) and Kimber Elayne Sprawl for Othello. 

The winners will be presented with their accolades at an upcoming Equity regional meeting. 

The Judges Panel for the seasonal performance awards included: Joe Dziemianowicz, New York Theatre Guide; Adam Feldman, Time Out New York; Elysa Gardner, New York Sun, New York Stage Review; Harry Haun, The Observer; Kobi Kassal, Theatrely; and Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter, New York Stage Review.

Kathryn Gallagher, Julia Lester, and
Havana Rose Liu in All Nighter.
Credit: Evan Zimmerman

Chita Rivera, Drama League, Other Awards

Winners of the Chita Rivera, Drama League and awards presented by Actors Equity Foundation were recently announced. On Mon. May 20, the Chita Rivera Awards for outstanding dance and choregraphy in theater and film were presented at NYU's Skirball Hall (site of the Drama Desks on June 10).

BROADWAY

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY IN A BROADWAY SHOW: TIE – Camille A Brown, Hell’s Kitchen; Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll, Water for Elephants

Isabella McCalla and Antoine Boissereau
in Water for Elephants.
Credit: Matthew Murphy

OUTSTANDING DANCER IN A BROADWAY SHOW: Antoine Boissereau, Water For Elephants; Tilly Evans-Kreuger, The Outsiders

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE IN A BROADWAY SHOW: Illinoise

FILM AND DOCUMENTARY

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY IN A THEATRICAL RELEASE: Barbie, Jennifer White

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A DANCE DOCUMENTARY: Lift, David Petersen

SPECIAL AWARDS

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Bernadette Peters

VANGUARD AWARD: Phil LaDuca

DOUGLAS AND ETHEL WATT CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARD: Mayte Natalio.