George Clooney’s Broadway Debut Earns Tony Nomination for “Good Night, and Good Luck”

George Clooney has added another impressive achievement to his career, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Play for his Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck. The stage adaptation of his 2005 film, which focuses on legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow’s face-off with Senator Joseph McCarthy during America’s Red Scare, has been widely praised for its sharp storytelling and Clooney’s powerful performance.

Clooney, a two-time Oscar winner, is no stranger to high-stakes performances, but stepping onto a Broadway stage marked a major new chapter. In the original film, Clooney played Fred W. Friendly, Murrow’s producer. For the stage version, Clooney took on the central role of Murrow himself, immersing himself in the character of a journalist known for his integrity and fearless reporting.

The play opened at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre in March 2025, with its official premiere in early April. Directed by Tony Award-winning director David Cromer (The Band’s Visit), the production captures the tension of 1950s America, while offering fresh relevance for today’s audiences who continue to grapple with issues of media freedom and political power.

Critics have hailed Clooney’s performance as a highlight of the season. The New York Times selected the play as a Critics’ Pick, describing Clooney’s portrayal of Murrow as filled with “wit, gravity, and quiet command.” Variety applauded the adaptation’s ability to translate the intensity of the film into a compelling stage experience, with particular praise for its tight pacing and focused narrative.

Audiences have responded just as enthusiastically, with Good Night, and Good Luck enjoying robust ticket sales and setting a new box office record for the Winter Garden Theatre. Many theatergoers cited Clooney’s name as a key reason for buying tickets, but left praising not just the star power, but the play’s deep resonance and emotional weight.

The 2025 Tony nominations confirmed the play’s success, with Good Night, and Good Luck earning five nominations overall. In addition to Clooney’s Best Leading Actor nod, the production picked up nominations for Best Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Sound Design.

Reacting to his nomination, Clooney expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “This experience has been one of the most rewarding of my career. I’m honored just to be part of this community and to tell a story that still matters so much today.”

His nomination places him in a distinguished group of first-time Tony nominees this year, underscoring Broadway’s openness to welcoming established stars from other entertainment worlds.

Clooney’s choice to play Murrow wasn’t random. The project has long held personal meaning for him, in part because his father, Nick Clooney, was a respected journalist and news anchor. This background gave George Clooney a deep understanding of Murrow’s commitment to truth and journalistic ethics.

In interviews, Clooney has noted that the play feels as urgent today as it did when the film first premiered nearly two decades ago. “We are living in times when facts are under attack,” Clooney said. “Murrow’s story reminds us how important it is to stand up for the truth, no matter how difficult it may be.”

For Clooney, performing live on stage brought new challenges and rewards. Unlike film, where multiple takes are possible, theater demands precision and presence in every moment. Clooney embraced that challenge, crediting his co-stars and director for creating an environment of trust and collaboration.

Director David Cromer also praised Clooney’s work ethic, noting that despite his Hollywood fame, Clooney was deeply committed to learning and mastering the nuances of live theater. “He approached this role with humility and focus,” Cromer said. “He was always ready to listen, learn, and push himself.”

As the Tony Awards approach, excitement continues to build around Good Night, and Good Luck. Whether Clooney takes home the trophy or not, his debut has already left a significant mark on Broadway, drawing attention to a story that is as meaningful today as it was in Murrow’s time.

Clooney has hinted that his Broadway experience may not be a one-time event. “This has be

en one of the great creative challenges of my life,” he said recently. “I’d love to come back.”

George Clooney’s Broadway debut in Good Night, and Good Luck has proven to be more than just a star vehicle. With critical acclaim, box office success, and a Tony nomination, it stands as a powerful reminder of theater’s ability to engage with urgent social issues. For Clooney, it’s a triumphant step into a new artistic arena—and a performance that Broadway won’t soon forget.