New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards

The New York Drama Critics' Circle Award is given each spring by a group of theater critics from New York publications to the best new play of the season. The Circle was founded in 1935 by critics who were unhappy with the Pulitzer Prize choices for drama, and it has presented its Best Play award every year since 1936, making it the second-oldest American theater prize after the Pulitzer.

Member critics vote on new plays that opened in New York during the season, on Broadway or Off-Broadway. When the top prize goes to an American play, the Circle may also honor a play from abroad, and the reverse; it may also recognize a musical, performers or other special achievements. The Best Play award carries a cash prize funded by the Lucille Lortel Foundation. The Top Book List follows the Circle's choices for plays published in book form.

New plays given their New York premiere on Broadway or Off-Broadway during the theater season, as judged by the Circle's member critics.