The Actors’ Equity Foundation has named the recipients of its 2026 Performance Awards, recognizing excellence in performances on Broadway and off-Broadway during the past season.
Two veteran performers received the Richard Seff Awards. Linda Emond earned recognition for her role as Susan in Becky Shaw. Ruben Santiago-Hudson was honored for portraying Bynum Walker in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.
The Clarence Derwent Awards, given for the most promising performances, went to McKenzie Kurtz and Ali Louis Bourzgui. Kurtz was cited for her portrayals of Betsy in Schmigadoon! and Heather Chandler in Heathers. Bourzgui received the award for playing David in The Lost Boys.
McKinley Belcher III and Olivia Reis won the Joe A. Callaway Awards for their work in classical plays. Belcher performed as Aaron in Red Bull Theater’s Titus Andronicus and as Caius Martius in Coriolanus at Theatre for a New Audience. Reis appeared as Antigone in Oedipus on Broadway and as Lavinia in Titus Andronicus.
These selections cover a range of productions presented in New York theatres this season. The honored roles appear in new musicals, contemporary dramas, and classic works revived at dedicated off-Broadway companies. The awards highlight both established names and rising talents who bring fresh energy to the stage.
Actors’ Equity Foundation president Judy Rice commented on the selections.
Judy Rice, Actors’ Equity Foundation president, stated: "We are proud to honor all of these amazing artists, whether for their standout performances or their lifetime commitment to our industry. Each of them is an inspiration, and we so look forward to recognizing them."
The announcement was made on May 20, 2026. The Foundation plans to hold an awards ceremony to present the honors to the recipients.
The awards continue a tradition of spotlighting individual contributions within the broader theatre community. They draw attention to performers who have taken on demanding parts in both large-scale Broadway productions and smaller venue stagings. This year’s honorees reflect the diversity and depth of talent across New York’s vibrant theatre scene.
