Which actress won the 2026 Tony Award for Leading Actress in a Play for Oedipus?
Answer
Lesley Manville
Lesley Manville won the 2026 Tony Award for Leading Actress in a Play for Oedipus.
Manville played Jocasta in Robert Icke’s modern adaptation of Sophocles’ tragedy. The production transferred the ancient Greek story into a contemporary setting, with Manville portraying the queen whose family history is central to the drama.
The award category recognizes an individual performance in a play, rather than the production itself. That distinction matters because Oedipus also received nominations in other acting and design categories, while Manville’s Tony specifically honored her performance.
Manville is an acclaimed English actor known for film, television, and stage work. Her previous screen credits include Another Year, Phantom Thread, and The Crown. The 2026 ceremony marked her Tony win for a Broadway play.