The Joseph Jefferson Awards committee announced an extensive list of nominees for the 2026 Equity Jeff Awards, highlighting a record number of productions and individuals recognized for outstanding achievement in Chicago theatre. The Goodman Theatre led the nominations with 24 nods across six different productions, underscoring its continued prominence in the local arts scene.

During the eligibility period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, committee members attended 85 Equity productions. Of these, 72 were designated as "Jeff Recommended," making them eligible for award consideration. The committee's selections reflect a broad recognition of theatrical work, as nearly every production judged was nominated in at least one category.

In the major award categories, 15 productions were nominated for best production, split between the “large” and “midsized” ensemble brackets. The competition for best new work included eight nominations, while the best director of a play category featured a deep field of 16 nominees. Notably, former Goodman Theatre artistic director Robert Falls received two nominations in the directing category.

The performance categories also saw strong representation, with 14 actors nominated for best performance in a principal role, a gender-neutral category. Altogether, more than 50 actors earned nominations, reflecting a wide array of talent recognized across Chicago’s professional theatre community over the past year.

The expanded pool of nominees illustrates the flourishing state of Chicago theatre and the committee’s commitment to acknowledging a diverse range of productions and artists. The full list of nominees spans numerous productions and disciplines, exemplifying the city’s vibrant equity theatre scene in the 2025–2026 season.