Olivier Awards 2026: Rachel Zegler’s heroes, Brian Cranston’s nap schedule and more moments from the night
The 2026 Olivier Awards highlighted a mix of heartfelt moments, iconic returns, and behind-the-scenes insights. From the stage to the wings, the night was filled with stories that resonated beyond the curtain. Here are six key takeaways from the event.
Rachel Zegler’s Emotional Acceptance
Rachel Zegler’s win for best actress in a musical for *Evita* sparked a touching connection with the past. As she stepped into the winner’s room, she spotted Elaine Page—the first Eva Perón in the 1978 debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical. Zegler shared her admiration:
“I spent my life listening to her sing ‘Memory’ from *Cats*.”
She also reflected on the evening’s surprises, noting how familiar faces cheered her on.
“I felt astonished by the whole evening,”
she said, adding that the win felt “crazy” given her journey into musical theatre.
Brian Cranston’s Theatrical Routine
Bryan Cranston, known for his role in *Breaking Bad*, faced a unique challenge as the lead in the West End revival of *All My Sons*. The actor admitted to a demanding schedule:
“We had two shows a day on Wednesdays and Saturdays, so we did 115 performances, we did a lot,”
he explained. To manage the workload, Cranston described his approach as “monk-like,” relying on a strict routine.
“I say my little prayer, go to bed, take a nap, get up and get ready for the next show,”
he joked, highlighting the exhaustion of the role.
Rosamund Pike’s Return and Passion for F1
Rosamund Pike’s triumphant return to the West End after 14 years was a major focus of the night. She won best actress for *Inter Alia*, a legal drama, and shared her excitement:
“I’ve been waiting for something like this, the thrill of doing a new play is incredible,”
she said. Pike also drew parallels between acting and her other passion, Formula 1.
“I’m into cars, I love the stories,”
she mentioned, adding that F1 teams operate “not unlike a theatrical family.”
Paddington The Musical’s Dominance
*Paddington The Musical* emerged as a standout winner, claiming seven awards including best new musical. Tom Fletcher, the composer, credited his family for the creative process.
“Those closest to me were instrumental in the writing, including my wife, Giovanna, and my sister, Carrie,”
he said, both of whom are West End performers. Fletcher also joked about the musical’s legacy:
“Somewhere there’s a Fletcher family album of *Paddington* that exists,”
he teased. The show’s message of kindness left a lasting impression:
“This is a show about celebrating kindness and to be part of that message going out into the universe is very special,”
he added.
Theatrical Life and Personal Reflections
For those in the industry, two shows a day is routine, but Cranston’s experience underscored the physical toll. Zegler, meanwhile, offered words of encouragement to aspiring performers:
“For every good thing, there are so many bad things but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more,”
she said. Pike, too, revealed her humility, acknowledging her shyness:
“The possibility of being singled out as just me is always quite daunting,”
she admitted, while staying true to her love for storytelling.
The Oliviers audience left with a blend of inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses, capturing the essence of a night where art and personal triumphs intertwined.
