Justin Ellington's sound design has once again captured the attention of Tony voters for an August Wilson classic.
The designer earned his third nomination in the Best Sound Design of a Play category for the 2026 revival of Joe Turner's Come and Gone. The production itself secured five Tony nods overall when nominations were announced.
Ellington shared his reaction to the news in a recent discussion about the project and his career.
The revival opened on April 25 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City. Directed by Debbie Allen, the show has been noted for its strong creative elements, including Ellington's audio contributions that help define the setting and mood.
The 79th Annual Tony Awards will take place on June 7, 2026, at Radio City Music Hall. P!NK will host the ceremony celebrating achievements from the 2025-2026 Broadway season.
This latest accolade adds to Ellington's previous Tony nominations, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier sound designers working in theater today. His ability to craft audio landscapes that support the narrative has been consistently praised by peers and audiences.
Broadway continues to recognize the technical crafts that make productions memorable. Sound design plays a vital role in plays that rely on subtle cues and atmospheric elements to convey their stories effectively.
Ellington's nomination comes at a time when the industry is highlighting diverse voices and collaborative efforts behind the scenes. The entire team behind Joe Turner's Come and Gone has contributed to the show's success and visibility during awards season.
The Ethel Barrymore Theatre has hosted several notable revivals in recent years, providing a fitting venue for this Wilson work. Fans of the play and newcomers alike have the opportunity to experience the production before the awards take place in early June.
The sound design enhances the emotional depth of the narrative, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the characters and their experiences on stage through carefully layered audio elements.
As the awards approach, anticipation builds for the ceremony where winners will be announced in various categories including this one for sound design excellence across Broadway productions.
