The Clive Barnes Awards has announced its 2025 honored artists nominees. Presented by the Clive Barnes Foundation (CBF), the awards body acknowledges promising young talent in theater and dance. Three principal players of shows that bowed during the 2024-2025 Broadway season were named Honored Artists in Theatre. Helen J Shen, Tom Francis and Ava Lalezarzadeh will be feted (and a winner named) at a ceremony on June 9 at the National Arts Club in New York City.
Francis is currently reprising his Olivier Award-winning performance as Joe Gillis in the Main Stem transfer of “Sunset Boulevard.” Lalezarzadeh appeared earlier this season as Goli in “English,” while Shen is currently performing the role of Claire in “Maybe Happy Ending.” These performances mark the Broadway debut for all three performers.
Additionally, David Gabriel, Isaiah K. Harvey and Kanon Sugino were nominated as Honored Artists in Dance.
“This year’s Honored Artists of the Clive Barnes Award for Dance and Theatre represent some of the brightest young talent in their disciplines,” said CBF director and previous Clive Barnes Award winner Lloyd Mayor in a statement. “Now, in our 15th year, my colleagues and I are thrilled to carry on the work of Valerie and Clive and their admirable dedication to supporting young artists.”
The nominees were chosen by CBF’s selection committee made up of 11 arts journalists and industry professionals. Nominations are based on a live performance given in New York City in the calendar year of 2024.
