Irish actor Liam Neeson is in the running for Broadway's equivalent of the Oscars, it was announced yesterday. Ballymena-born Neeson (39) has been nominated for a Tony award in the best performance in a play category.
Neeson, who played the lead role in the films Schindler's List, Michael Collins and Lamb impressed American theatre critics with his performance as John Proctor in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. Alan Rickman, who played alongside Neeson in Michael Collins, is in the same category. Alan Bates and Billy Crudup have also been nominated.
Neeson was previously nominated for a Tony award for his performance in the play Anna Christie. His performance as Oscar Schindler on screen earned him an Oscar nomination.
In other categories, the musical Oklahoma! was nominated for seven awards including best director, best choreography and best revival of a musical. The Tony award-winners will be announced in New York on June 2nd.