The 42nd Helen Hayes Awards celebration will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 at The Anthem on the District Wharf in Washington, DC. The ceremony begins at 7 PM and will end by 10:30 PM.
It's an evening for the whole community! We'll honor our fabulous nominees and recipients, and enjoy performances and remembrances in a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going as a DC-area theatre community.
The full list of the 2026 Helen Hayes Award nominees is now available. We look forward to honoring all of our nominees and recipients.
Join hosts Felicia Curry, Awa Sal Secka, and Derrick Truby for an evening of celebration, complete with performances featuring the Helen Hayes Awards Ensemble. The ceremony is co-directed by Holly Twyford and Ashleigh King and choreographed by Ashleigh King with music directed by Christopher Wingert.
Philanthropist and Business Leader Adrienne Arsht will receive the inaugural Transformative Cultural Impact Award.
To support the event by joining our host committee team, visit our sponsor site. Email amy@theatrewashington.org for more information.
Reservation forms have now been sent to all nominees and invited guests. If you are a theatre-maker looking for a seat, please contact an affiliated theatre organization. There is organized group seating available through theatres on the first and second floors. If you have any questions making your reservation or seating, please email helenhayesevent@theatrewashington.org.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please email helenhayesevent@theatrewashington.org