The lead-up to the Tony Awards usually contains much excitement and anticipation. But it's also a time of reflection—for the Tony nominees to think about how far they've come and the significance of this current moment. Playbill recently asked the 2023 Tony nominees the following question: Why is it special to be nominated for this production? 

From New York, New York book writer Sharon Washington saying that her family have been New Yorkers since 1835, to Some Like It Hot actor Kevin Del Aguila realizing he's not the "weak link" in his cast, to Sweeney Todd's Josh Groban saying playing the Demon Barber is like playing Batman, the answers were moving and surprising. Watch the video above. 

The 76th Annual Tony Awards nominations were announced May 2. Winners will be named in a starry ceremony at Washington Heights' United Palace Theatre June 11. The Tony Awards: Act One, a 90-minute pre-show of live and exclusive content, will stream on Pluto TV beginning at 6:30 PM ET, with hosts and further details to be announced. The main awards ceremony will follow at 8 PM ET, hosted by West Side Story Oscar winner Ariana DeBose. The awards portion will broadcast live on CBS, and stream live (for premium-level subscribers) via Paramount+. All Paramount+ subscribers will have on demand access to the broadcast beginning June 12.