Audra McDonald and Fifth Tony Award on Sunday
"Porgy and Bess" actress Audra McDonald has earned her fifth Tony Award during Sunday's ceremony.
The Fresno, Calif. native made history at the 66th annual event with her Best Leading Actress in a Musical award, becoming the first black actress to ever win five Tonys.
During her acceptance speech, McDonald especially thanked her daughter Zoe.
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"This is an amazing night for mommy," said the actress before noting, "Feb. 14, 2001, when you were born, was the best day of my life."
It is her first award for a lead performance in "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess." In past years, she has earned Tony Awards for "Carousel," "Master Class," "Ragtime," and "A Raisin in the Sun."
Actresses Angela Lansbury and Julie Harris also hold the record with five Tony Awards.
McDonald, 41, trained at The Juilliard School and attended Roosevelt School of the Arts. The Emmy-nominated actress has also made many television appearances, both musical and dramatic. Her films include "Best Thief in the World," "It Runs in the Family," and "Cradle Will Rock."
The actress is engaged to Broadway actor Will Swenson.
The night crowned "Clybourne Park" as the season's best musical and drama and saw numerous other surprises. The star-studded awards ceremony saw Hugh Jackman, Sheryl Crow, Diane Sawyer, Emma Stone, and Philip Seymour Hoffman in attendance, among many others.
Serving as host, Neil Patrick Harris delivered lively performances and witty dialouge during the awards ceremony. His hosting impressed many viewers and saw widespread praise in the hours following the Tonys.
Other big wins of the night went to the musical "Once," which saw eight trophies.
Director Mike Nichols earned his eighth Tony for directing the revival of "Death of a Salesman."
