Aaron Clifton Moten, Jonny Orsini, Amber Iman and More Among Clive Barnes Award Nominees; Winners Announced 1/6

The Clive Barnes Foundation has announced the nominees for the 2012 Clive Barnes Awards, a distinguished annual honor recognizing the work of young actors and dancers in New York City.

This year's nominees for dance are Talli Jackson (Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company), Lloyd Mayor (Martha Graham Dance Company), Xiaochuan Xie (Martha Graham Dance Company), and Calvin Royal III (American Ballet Theatre.)

This years' nominees for theatre are Aaron Clifton Moten for his performance in The Flick, Jonny Orsini for his performance in The Nance, Phillipa Soo for her performance in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, and Amber Iman for her performance in Soul Doctor.

One recipient from each category will be chosen and the winners announced on Monday, January 6 2014 at 3:00 pm at The Walter Reade Theatre, Lincoln Center.

This year's Theater Award will be presented by Susan Stroman, and this year's Dance Award will be presented by Wendy Whelan. Past presenters have included Frederic Franklin, Cherry Jones, and Nina Arianda (2010 Clive Barnes Award winner, 2012 Tony Award Winner for Venus in Fur) and previous winners are Chase Finlay (2010, New York City Ballet), Nina Arianda (2010, Venus in Fur), Mj Rodriquez (2011, RENT), Isabella Boylston (2011, American Ballet Theater), Rob McClure (Chaplin), and Lauren Lovette (New York City Ballet.)

The Clive Barnes Foundation was formed in 2009 by Valerie Taylor Barnes, former soloist with The Royal Ballet, to create Annual Awards giving recognition, encouragement, and financial support to two talented young professionals and thus, honoring the memory of the immense body of critical work and warm personal generosity of Clive Barnes. Throughout his professional life, Clive Barnes was caring and generous to his colleagues and friends; always ready to advise and listen. After his death, many condolence letters spoke of his generosity and practical help, especially to young people.

The Awards will be given at the end of each year, judged by a panel of experts in each field.

The Selection Committee for the Clive Barnes Award includes Siobhan Burns, Diana Byer, Barbara Hoffman, Arthur Mitchell, Patrick Pacheco, James Sutton, Valerie Taylor-Barnes, Damian Woetzel, and Craig Wright.

Joining the Clive Barnes Foundation Board of Directors this year is Paloma Herrera, famed principal dancer from the American Ballet Theatre. She will serve alongside the existing Board of Directors, which includes Valerie Taylor Barnes,Brenda Anderson, Charles Askegard,William Ausman, Jennifer Dunning, Jacques le Sourd,Arthur Mitchell, Michael Riedel, Spring Sirkin, Damian Woetzel, and Craig Wright.

Pictured: Aaron Clifton Moten. Photo Credit: Walter McBride.