Clooney gets Tony nomination for Broadway debut

George Clooney is excited about his first Tony Award nomination. This is for his debut Broadway performance in "Good Night, and Good Luck."

He was among several stars who received their first nominations on Thursday. Other nominees include Nicole Scherzinger, Sarah Snook, and Bob Odenkirk. They were recognized for their roles in "Sunset Blvd," "The Picture of Dorian Gray," and "Glengarry Glen Ross."

The Tony Awards celebrate excellence in Broadway theatre from the past year. This year's nominations are led by three musicals: "Buena Vista Social Club," "Death Becomes Her," and "Maybe Happy Ending." Each has ten nominations.

Scherzinger is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her work in "Sunset Blvd." The competition also includes "Dead Outlaw" and "Operation Mincemeat," which moved from London to New York.

Audra McDonald received her 11th Tony nomination for her role in "Gypsy." She now holds the record for most nominations ever. Mia Farrow is also nominated for her first Tony award for her part in "The Roommate."

Clooney is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play. His role is based on the 2005 film adaptation of “Good Night, and Good Luck.” The story centers on journalist Edward R Murrow's conflict with Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Clooney expressed his excitement about five nominations for the play he co-wrote. He said it has been an incredible experience, making him feel proud and lucky.

However, Clooney's drama did not receive a nomination for Best Play. It was the highest-grossing production on Broadway recently but missed out on this category.

Nominees for Best Play include “English,” “The Hills of California,” “John Proctor Is The Villain,” “Oh Mary!,” and “Purpose.”

Denzel Washington's production of Othello was completely snubbed despite its popularity. Critics had mixed reviews about it as well.

New musical Redwood, featuring Idina Menzel, also received no nominations. Another musical, The Last Five Years with Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren, was similarly overlooked.

Robert Downey Jr.'s Broadway debut did not fare well either; his play McNeal got no nominations. Romeo + Juliet was nominated for Best Revival of a Play but its stars Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor were not recognized.

On a positive note, Gracie Lawrence received her first Tony nomination for her role in Just In Time. She made her Broadway musical debut after starring in The Sex Lives of College Girls.

The Tony Awards ceremony will be held on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Cynthia Erivo will host the event.