The Greatest Showman #1397 - Paradoxical
This is also one of the most fiercely contested Tony Awards, as musicals have reached an unprecedented peak. Blockbusters like "The True Story of Pepin" and "Les Misérables" have dominated the market, while critically lauded productions such as "Boots Enchantress" and "Matilda" have set new standards for excellence, making them some of the most exceptional works in recent years.
The race for awards has never been more unpredictable, surpassing even the uncertainty of the Oscars.
At least during Oscar season, industry professionals can gauge trends from precursor awards and make well-informed predictions with a decent success rate. The Tony Awards, however, follow a different trajectory—authoritative, professional, and deeply merit-based. When performances are equally strong, the results become completely unpredictable.
And therein lies the paradox.
On one hand, many resist the idea of Renly winning. He is simply too young. His career, so far, has been a smooth ascent without any significant setbacks. Even his so-called "low points" have only served to solidify his fan base. At just twenty-three years old, he has already won almost every major accolade available to him. What comes next? Whether out of envy, concern, conservatism, or sheer defiance, some believe he should not win again.
On the other hand, there is an undeniable thrill in seeing Renly claim victory. Witnessing history in the making, breaking conventions, and redefining expectations is exhilarating. The audience feels like co-creators of this legacy, playing an active role in an unprecedented moment. If they pass up "Les Misérables" this year, will another opportunity ever arise? Or will this moment be lost forever?
Anticipation and resistance. Hope and resentment. Excitement and anxiety.
The emotions swirling around Renly's nomination are deeply conflicted. Creating history and dismantling it are equally powerful acts, making it difficult to distinguish which impulse is stronger. Yet, destruction is often easier than creation.
Overall, the desire to witness history unfold prevails. The discussion of Renly and his EGOT potential has dominated portals and social media. Within just three days, conversations surrounding the 67th Tony Awards have surpassed any previous ceremony—even eclipsing the Cannes Film Festival and the Oscars. This level of attention is an unparalleled feat in the history of the Tony Awards.
The only remaining question is: How will this Tony Awards be remembered? Will it be for making history or missing the chance to do so?
This question became the most discussed topic on the red carpet. Every guest was asked about it—including Renly's fellow nominees for Best Actor in a Musical.
Stark Sanders, standing before the press, looked overwhelmed. His boyish face was glistening with sweat as he tried to navigate the relentless questions. "On set, Renly is not someone who talks much. He's more focused on his performance," he offered cautiously.
"So, you're saying Renly is difficult to work with?" a reporter pressed.
"No, no," Stark corrected hastily. "I mean, he had a huge responsibility with his role, so he needed to stay focused—"
"So can we infer that Renly is a workaholic who avoids socializing with his colleagues?"
The aggressive questioning left Stark flustered. As a television and theater actor, he had never faced such intense scrutiny. It felt like no matter what he said, the reporters were twisting his words.
Then, a deep voice with a hint of amusement cut through the tension.
"Yes."
All heads turned. Renly Hall had arrived.
Unlike the chaotic frenzy of a Hollywood red carpet, the Tony Awards maintained a level of decorum. The gathered crowd of over 300 fans and guests watched in orderly excitement, exuding an atmosphere more akin to a Broadway premiere than an Oscar night spectacle.
Renly exuded effortless elegance in a black suit and crisp white shirt. While laymen might struggle to articulate why his attire stood out, experts would recognize the subtle craftsmanship in the shoulder line, collar, and hem—hallmarks of bespoke tailoring. Since the revelation of his aristocratic lineage, such details no longer surprised anyone.
But what stood out most was his freshly cropped hair. The clean cut and smooth jawline gave him an almost boyish charm, radiating youthful confidence. His easy smile was infectious, causing even the sternest faces to relax.
"You should've just said yes," Renly continued playfully. "Then followed up with: 'He's a complete nightmare on set—throws tantrums, is totally self-absorbed, and picks fights for no reason. An absolute terror behind the scenes, nothing like the image he puts on camera.' That would've made things so much simpler."
His sarcasm was unmistakable, and Stark chuckled, giving Renly a light high-five in greeting.
"Stark, is what Renly just said true?" another reporter asked, unwilling to let go.
Renly turned toward the journalist with a bemused smile. "Let's not put Stark in a tough spot. What I said is absolutely true. Feel free to print it—I promise I won't sue for defamation."
The surrounding reporters erupted into laughter.
Stark, finally relaxing, quipped, "Are you sure? Because I might start using that approach in my interviews."
Renly shrugged playfully, as if giving his blessing.
The press always seeks controversy. Endless praise can seem inauthentic—even Renly himself would find it hard to believe that he has no detractors. Reporters, therefore, crave candid, less flattering remarks to generate intrigue.
"And what about tonight's awards?" Stark asked.
Renly pursed his lips thoughtfully. "Be honest. If you don't want to name yourself, then I'd say Billy Porter is a solid choice."
Billy Porter, another nominee from "Boots Enchantress," was Stark's co-star.
Stark laughed. "But what if I think you should win?"
Renly didn't answer. Instead, he gestured invitingly, as if prompting Stark to say it outright.
Stark finally conceded, "I already answered. They just don't believe me."
"They assume you're being polite or pressured into saying my name," Renly teased. "Fine, let me demonstrate: Personally, I'd pick Billy Porter, followed by Stark Sanders. I think their performances deserve a Tony."
After delivering his statement, Renly spread his hands wide, as if unveiling a magic trick.
Stark nodded in understanding but remained perplexed. Something felt off. Had he just been outmaneuvered? He couldn't shake the feeling that he had stepped into a well-laid trap, though he couldn't quite pinpoint how.