Tony Awards 2016: ‘Hamilton’ Breaks Records, ‘Eclipsed’ and ‘The Color Purple’ Among Nominees

The nominees for Tony Awards 2016 have been unveiled and as expected the Broadway blockbuster that has redefined the scope of what is required to be a national institution – Hamilton – came out on top.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s historical musical garnered a whopping 16 noms – including Best Musical, Best Actor in Musical for both Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr., Best Actress in a Leading Role for Phillipa Soo and Best Actress in a Featured Role for Renee Elise Goldsberry.

The army of nominations for Hamilton only re-establishes its position as one of the most successful and influential shows ever.

Another well-deserved shout out went to Eclipsed – which was written by The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira who also stars.

The story follows the lives of five Liberian women as they reconcile the emotional and social impact of the Second Liberian Civil War and struggle to piece their lives back together as the end of the war approaches.

Eclipsed scored a nom for Best Play and Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o received a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role, as well as Pascale Armand who got a nod in the Best Actress in a Featured Role category along with Saycon Sengbloh.

The Color Purple may not have amassed as many nods as predicted but there were mentions in key categories – including Best Revival of a Musical, a Best Actress in a Leading Role for Cynthia Erivo and a Best Actress in a Featured Role for Orange is the New Black star – Danielle Brooks.

This year should be prove to be one of the most dramatic for Broadway’s biggest night – thanks to the roster of talents that will alight the Beacon Theatre on June 12. The Late Late Show’s James Corden will host the ceremony and since he’s also a Tony winner (he won back in 2012 for One Man, Guvnors) he will hopefully add some extra sparkle to what will already be a memorable night.

Click here for a complete list of all the nominees.