The Lucille Lortel Awards are annual honors recognizing outstanding achievements in off-Broadway theater. Established in 1986, these awards celebrate excellence in various categories, including Best Play, Best Musical, and Best Director. They are named after Lucille Lortel, a prominent producer who significantly contributed to the development of off-Broadway productions. Presented by the Lucille Lortel Foundation, the awards aim to promote and support the off-Broadway community. Winners are selected by a panel of theater professionals, and the ceremony typically takes place in the spring. The awards highlight the importance of off-Broadway as a vital part of the American theater landscape.