2018 Tony Awards

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Overview

2018 Tony Awards refers to the 72nd annual award ceremony held for excellence in Broadway theater. After the awards ceremony, moments from the event, including a speech from actor Robert DeNiro that cursed President Donald Trump and a performance by the Parkland Shooting teenagers drew attention.

Background

The 72nd Tony Awards took place on June 10th, 2018 at Radio City Music Hall, New York City.^[1] The event was broadcast by CBS, with musicians Josh Groban and Sara Bareilles serving as co-hosts. The musical versions of Mean Girls and Spongebob Squarepants tied for the most nominations of the season, with 12 apiece. Angels in America gained 11 nominations, breaking the record for most nominations received for a play.

Developments

Musical The Band's Visit won the most awards with 10, including Best Musical. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child won six awards, including Best Play, and Angels in America won three, including Best Revival.

Robert De Niro's Speech

While presenting for Bruce Springsteen, actor Robert De Niro caused controversy when he walked out and said only "I'm gonna say one thing: Fuck Trump!" This led to a standing ovation from those in attendance. The moment led to media coverage from the Washington Post,^[2] The Guardian,^[3] and the Los Angeles Times.^[4]

#BoycottDeNiro

On June 13th, Trump posted a tweet responding to the De Niro clip, referring to the actor as "a very Low IQ individual" (shown below).

Donald J. Tru m p 4. @realDonaldTrump-10h Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual, has received too many shots to the head by real boxers in movies. I watched him last night and truly believe he may be "punch-drunk." I guess he doesn't.. 7.9 t 14 66 Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump ...realize the economy is the best it's ever been with employment being at an all time high, and many companies pouring back into our country. Wake up Punchy!

That day, Trump supporters began tweeting the hashtag #BoycottDeNiro,^[8] calling for viewers to boycott the actor's films (shown below). That day, The Daily Dot published an article titled "The #BoycottDeNiro movement is spreading online."

Glenn Durkee @DurkeeGlenn Jun 11 DeNiro showed no lass at Tonys with his f*ck Trump quip. Too bad, won't be watching any of his new movies oh that's right he has none. #boycottDeniro 99tl 138 Blue-ockchain @bluser12 Jun 11 Is #boycottdeniro trending yet? 4 Show this thread Jacquelyn Pearson @wigwizard21 Jun 11 And to think I believed you were a classy man. #boycottDeNiro You disgust me as a fellow Italian American TRUMP 2020!!!! 4 32 Brad Conradt BradConradt Jun 11 I've seen my last DeNiro movie. We all have the right to disagree with our leaders, but the office must be respected. #BoycottDeniro @realDonaldTrump 4

Parkland Student Performance

After their theater theatre teacher, Melody Herzfeld, was named the recipient of the 2018 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School performed "Seasons of Love" from the musical Rent. This moment went viral and was covered by multiple media outlets, including Vox,^[5] People,^[6] and Jezebel.^[7]