Like the Outer Critics Circle and the Drama Desk, the Drama League does not distinguish between Broadway and off-Broadway when doling out honors. However, with so many shows and performers included in today's nominations, chances are they cover most of the Tony Award contenders. Indeed, new tuner "9 to 5" and the revived play "Speed-the-Plow" --  both passed over by the OCC on Monday -- made the cut with the League nominating committee, which is comprised of both theater professionals and the public.

While the League gives prizes for best play and musical as well as revivals of each genre, it is unique among the theater kudos in that it hands out only one award for distinguished performance. This year, 69 actors ( for the full roster see here) are competing for the honor first given to Katharine Cornell in 1935.

The most surprising omission on such a lengthy list has to be Brian D'arcy James, who plays the title role in "Shrek." Both his leading lady -- Sutton Foster -- and his rival for her love -- Chris Sieber -- are among those in the running for this prestigious prize that is celebrating its diamond anniversary. James, a one-time Tony nominee ("Sweet Smell of Success"), did get a nod from the OCC on Monday.

And while the boys of "Billy Elliot" (David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish) contend as a team, the three main adults in the cast -- Haydn Gwynne, Gregory Jbara and Carole Shelley -- were snubbed by the League although they all earned OCC nods.

Also missing in action are two-time Tony winner and OCC nominee Nathan Lane, who appears alongside League nominated Bill Irwin in "Waiting for Godot" as well as Tony champ Andrea Martin who earned an OCC nod for "Exit the King."

Tony contenders Stockard Channing ("Pal Joey"), Christine Ebersole ("Blithe Spirit"), Frank Langella ("A Man for All Seasons"), John Lithgow ("All My Sons") and Mary-Louise Parker ("Hedda Gabler") were all ineligible for consideration as they have already won the award.

The Drama League will honor the winners at a luncheon on May 15.

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Photo: Broadway Theatre

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