The award, according to the New York Times, is now taller and heavier than in previous years. The statuette now stands at five inches tall (it was previously 3.25 inches in height) and weighs three-and-a-half pounds (prior awards weighed only one pound).
Howard Sherman, the executive director of the American Theater Wing, told the Times that the change in size was made to make the award "feel more substantial. We know the physical scale of the Oscars, Emmys and Grammys. While we're not attempting to keep up with the Joneses, we felt this is a significant award, and it could feel and look a bit more significant. . . . By adding height, now someone can grip the Tony, raise it over their head in triumph and not worry about keeping their grip." In 1947, the first year the Tony Awards were presented, male winners received scrolls and a money clip, while women were presented with a compact. Beginning in 1949 winners of the Tony received a medallion inside a case. It wasn't until the awards were first televised in 1967 when that medallion was mounted to a base.
Sean Hayes, who is nominated for a 2010 Tony Award for his performance in the revival of Promises, Promises, hosts this year's Tony telecast, which will be broadcast on CBS June 13 beginning at 8 PM ET.
The Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards are "bestowed annually on theatre professionals for distinguished achievement." The Tonys are presented by the League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing.
For more information visit www.TonyAwards.com.