Olivier Awards 2026: From Rachel Zegler’s heartfelt tribute to Brian Cranston’s unique rhythm and other standout moments

The 2026 Olivier Awards showcased a mix of emotional highlights and intriguing behind-the-scenes insights, with performances and personal stories taking center stage. Among the evening’s most memorable scenes was Rachel Zegler’s heartfelt moment as she entered the winner’s room after claiming the best actress in a musical award for her role in *Evita*. Her emotional reflection on the experience included a touching nod to her theatrical idol, Elaine Page, the original Eva Perón in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1978 musical. “I spent my life listening to her sing *Memory* from *Cats*,” Zegler said, her admiration evident.

A Breakthrough and a Legacy

Zegler also shared her astonishment at the evening’s unexpected moments, mentioning how “some of the famous faces cheering me on felt like a dream.” Her journey to the stage was marked by a whirlwind of opportunities, including her role as Maria in the 2021 film *West Side Story*, which came after a social media casting call. “I was just very lucky that my parents let me,” she admitted, highlighting the support that made her success possible. Her words to aspiring artists were equally impactful: “For every good thing, there are so many bad things, but remember that the bad makes you appreciate the good so much more.”

A Monastic Routine

Brian Cranston, known for his role in *Breaking Bad*, brought a unique perspective to the night as he navigated the West End revival of *All My Sons*. His grueling schedule of performing twice daily on Wednesdays and Saturdays left him with a near-monastic routine. “I can’t expend any more energy, so I stay inside the theatre, eat a little soup,” he joked, describing his approach. “I say my little prayer, go to bed, take a nap, and get ready for the next show.” Cranston’s role as Joe Keller, a morally ambiguous figure, was made easier by his post-show rest. “You look for the justifications of why your character would act a certain way,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of understanding a role’s motivations.

A Return to the Stage

Rosamund Pike’s return to the West End after 14 years was celebrated with a best actress win for her role in *Inter Alia*. The award marked a triumphant moment for the actor, who described the thrill of staging a new play as “incredible.” She drew parallels between her acting career and her growing passion for F1, noting that “the way F1 teams move around the globe is not unlike a theatrical family.” Pike also shared her shyness, saying, “being singled out as just me is always quite daunting,” but added that her role as a character offers a protective shield.

Paddington’s Seven Accolades

The musical *Paddington* emerged as a major winner, securing seven awards, including best new musical. Tom Fletcher, the composer, attributed the project’s success to the collaborative efforts of his family, including his wife Giovanna and sister Carrie, both West End performers. “All my family can sing, so they’re all on the original demos,” he joked, hinting at a family album dedicated to the show. Fletcher also highlighted the personal significance of the work, calling it “a dream” to create something that “celebrates kindness” and resonates with audiences.

The evening’s blend of personal anecdotes and professional triumphs underscored the unique charm of the Olivier Awards, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who bring theatre to life.