Playbill caught up with 2017 Tony nominee and star of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 Denée Benton to reflect on her Broadway journey so far and chat about what the nomination meant to her.

“What it can mean for little black girls to see me getting this and hopefully have some more confidence than I did growing up,” said Benton. Watch the interview in the video above.

The Great Comet was nominated for 12 Tony Awards—the most of any production of the season.

Watch highlights from the production below:

The American Theatre Wing’s 71st Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Tony and Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey, will air live from Radio City Music Hall on the CBS Television Network on June 11, 2017 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT). For all the most up-to-date information on the event, visit Playbill.com/TonyAwards.

CELEBRATE THE 2017–2018 SEASON WITH THE TONY AWARD SEASON COMPILATION ALBUM!