Samuel L. Jackson, Leslie Odom Jr., Patina Miller, Brandon Victor Dixon, Latanya Richardson, Danielle Brooks, and the exquisite Cicely Tyson were among the many luminaries in attendance to honor the two-time Tony Award winner.

The 98th annual event recognized Jones for more than 50 years of exceptional theater work.  Known best for his trademark bass, Jones is one of the few artists who has received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony for his noteworthy performances, including his role as Darth Vader, one of the most notorious villains of all time.

“His presence is so indelible, his talent so immense, ” noted Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing.  “He’s managed to make some of his most memorable film roles without even showing his face.”

The Lion King’s Samuel E. Wright, Alton Fitzgerald White, L. Steven Taylor, Nathaniel Stampley and Rufus Bonds Jr. kicked off the celebration with a musical performance thanking Jones for originating the beloved role of Mufasa, which they each later reprised in the Broadway musical.

Norm Lewis, who previously played Javert in Les Miserables, dedicated his lovely rendition of “The Prayer” to the late Kyle Jean Baptiste, acknowledging that both of their opportunities were set in motion by pioneer Jones’ efforts. “That was all because of doors you opened.”

After being presented with the award by Star Wars co-star Jackson, Jones humbly thanked The Wing for their contributions to his artistic growth. “They taught us not to put ethnic or gender limits on the characters that we studied.  They taught us speech for Shakespeare, and speech for Arthur Miller, and speech for Tennessee Williams, and speech for George Lucas,” he affirmed graciously before concluding, “I can’t thank you enough, no matter how old I get.”

Jones can currently be seen with Ms. Tyson in The Gin Game at the Golden Theater through January 10, 2016.

#AboutLastNight #TheWingGala @patinamiller @normlewis777 @leslieodomjr @nicolettekloe @brandonvdixon @jamesearljones

A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Sep 29, 2015 at 8:31am PDT

What a night fit for a legend. Congrats @JamesEarlJones! #AboutLastNight #TheWingGala #YouAreBroadwayBlack A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Sep 29, 2015 at 8:24am PDT

Past & present Mufasas of Broadway’s @thelionking perform& honor the original film Mufasa @JamesEarlJones #5GuysNamedMufasa #TheWingGala #AboutLastNight

A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Sep 29, 2015 at 7:49am PDT

@SamuelLJackson presenting @JamesEarlJones with #TheWingGala Honor #AboutLastNight A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Sep 29, 2015 at 7:43am PDT

Of course @IAmCicelyTyson was in the building. #AboutLastNight #TheWingGala

A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Sep 29, 2015 at 7:58am PDT

.@PatinaMiller gave us Simple Joys. @brandonvdixon let the good times roll & @NormLewiss777 Brought Us Home! #TheWingGala #AboutLastNight

A video posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Sep 29, 2015 at 8:14am PDT

#AboutLastNight The stars of Hollywood came to support @JamesEarlJones as he was honored by The American Theatre Wing #TheWingGala

A photo posted by BroadwayBlack (@broadwayblack) on Sep 29, 2015 at 7:40am PDT

The post Broadway’s A-List Join American Theatre Wing to Honor James Earl Jones appeared first on Broadway Black.

The annual event allows participants to be part of the full Tony Awards experience, including red carpet arrivals and the full awards show presentation via Clear Channel’s SpectacolorHD screens in the heart of the Broadway community—New York City’s Times Square.

The Times Square simulcast will feature special guest appearances and performances.  In addition, portions of the Tony Awards Red Carpet and the entirety of the Tony Awards show—including the Creative Arts Awards which can otherwise only be seen live inside Radio City Music Hall—will stream live, giving theatre lovers a front row seat to all of the award show action.

“We are pleased to once again partner with Clear Channel Spectacolor, the Times Square Alliance and the city of New York to bring the Tony Awards broadcast to the heart of the Theater District – Times Square,” said Charlotte St Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League and Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing. “The simulcast is the ideal opportunity for local and visiting Broadway fans to enjoy the Tony Awards on the big screen and cheer alongside fellow theatre enthusiasts. We look forward to another successful year!”

The simulcast will take place rain or shine, with full audio and seating for 2,000 guests starting at 4:00 – 11:00 PM on Duffy Square and the Broadway Plaza between 46^th and 48^th St, the heart of Times Square. The event is always free and open to the public.

The Tony Awards will be hosted by Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS, on Sunday, June 7^th, 8:00 – 11:00 PM (ET/PT time delay). The Tony Awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League

The post Deborah Cox & Justin Guarini To Host Tony Awards Times Square Simulcast appeared first on Broadway Black.