The Life has been nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical for David Newman, Ira Gasman, and Cy Coleman, Best Choreography for Joey McKneely, Best Costume Design for Martin Pakledinaz, Best Direction of a Musical for Michael Blakemore, Best Lighting Design for Richard Pilbrow, Best Orchestrations for Don Sebesky and Harold Wheeler, and Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for Cy Coleman and Ira Gasman.