The Olivier Awards with Mastercard 2023 have announced the recipients of the ‘Special Award’ and ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, recognising their outstanding contributions to the theatre industry. 

Dame Arlene Phillips has been awarded this year’s ‘Special Award’.

Phillips is a world-renowned choreographer and theatre director, honoured as a DBE for her services to dance and charity for over 45 years. Previously nominated for two Olivier Awards in the ‘Best Theatre Choreographer’ category, she is recognised for her considerable involvement with shows such as Starlight Express, Grease and Saturday Night Fever.

Sir Derek Jacobi receives this year’s ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his remarkable 60-year career on stage and screen.

Jacobi has garnered critical acclaim over his distinguished career and been the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Olivier Awards (Cyrano de Bergerac and Twelfth Night). He is also one of the founding members of the National Theatre, enlisted by Laurence Olivier himself. In 1994, Jacobi was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to theatre.

Co-CEOs of Society of London Theatre, Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, said: “We would like to offer an enormous congratulations to the two recipients of the Special Awards – Dame Arlene Phillips, for her inspiring work in dance and choreography, and Sir Derek Jacobi, for his incredible, life-long service to the theatre as an actor.

“This year’s honourees have inspired generations with their work, and it is a privilege to be able to publicly recognise them in their year’s awards.”

The Olivier Awards will take place on 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Hannah Waddingham.

The full list of nominees will be announced on 28 February.