Tony Awards 2012: Nominees Lithgow, Corden play down expectations

It may be an honor to be nominated, but most Tony nominees know that they’re going to come away empty-handed. How do they handle that reality?

Leading male in a play nominee John Lithgow (“The Columnist”), who is not a front-runner, told The Times on his way in to the Beacon that he had no grand illusions about tonight.

“I know I’m probably not going to win,” he said. “I was tempted to scratch myself, like that horse at Belmont.”

James Corden (“One Man, Two Guvnors”) who indeed is considered a contender, though behind Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Death of a Salesman”) in the same category as Lithgow, was also interested in playing down expectations.

TONYS 2012: Red carpet | Winners & Nominees

“I mean, it’s ridiculous -- Philip Seymour Hoffman is my favorite actor,” he said. “We shouldn’t even be in the same category.”

And the cast and creators of “Once,” who actually are favored in many categories? They were pleading ignorance. “Are we really considered the front-runners?” director John Tiffany told The Times. “I literally flew in from Glasgow yesterday and didn’t know.” He paused. “No, really.”

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