The four acting nominees are Joaquina Kalukango (Hurt Village) Derek Klena (Dogfight), Rob McClure (Chaplin), and Stephen Tyrone Williams (My Children, My Africa).

Lauren Lovette (New York City Ballet), Steven Melendez (New York Theater Ballet), and Ashley Murphy (Dance Theater of Harlem) are the nominees in dance.

The foundation is named in honor of the late theater and dance critic and was formed in 2009 by his widow, Valerie Taylor Barnes