London — John Lithgow was awarded the Best Actor honor at the 2025 Olivier Awards on Sunday for his portrayal of Roald Dahl in the play Giant. The role sees the American actor delve into the darker aspects of Dahl’s life, including his controversial antisemitic views.
Lithgow’s performance, in which he explores the complexities of the beloved author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, earned him recognition at the prestigious ceremony, often considered the UK’s equivalent of Broadway’s Tony Awards. The actor, known for his illustrious career in film, television, and theatre, added the Olivier to a trophy collection that includes multiple Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards.
Upon receiving the award, an emotional Lithgow, 79, expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the significance of the transatlantic bond. “I think I’m going to faint,” Lithgow joked, before adding, “I want to assure Britons that the special relationship is still firmly intact.”
Lithgow’s victory came for his role in Giant, written by Mark Rosenblatt, which confronts Dahl’s complex legacy, particularly his troubling personal views.
Meanwhile, the Olivier Awards also saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a backwards-biographical musical, named Best New Musical. The production, based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s story, continues to captivate audiences with its innovative storytelling.
In the Best Actress category, Lesley Manville, known for her role as Princess Margaret in The Crown, took home the prize for her portrayal of Jocasta in the modern-day reimagining of Oedipus. The play, directed by Robert Icke, was also honored as Best Revival of a Play. Icke’s contemporary adaptation is set to open on Broadway later this year.
The Olivier Awards highlighted the continued diversity and innovation in British theatre, celebrating both established and emerging talents across a variety of genres.
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