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Julie Taymor Headshot

Julie Taymor

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BIO

Taymor is an American director and writer of theater, opera and film. Her stage adaptation of The Lion King debuted in 1997, and received eleven Tony Award nominations, with Taymor receiving Tony Awards for Best Director and Costume Designer. Her film Frida, about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, was nominated for five Academy Awards, including a Best Original Song nomination for Taymor's composition "Burn It Blue". She also directed the jukebox musical Across the Universe.

Photos

Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Director
Costume Designer
Puppet Designer
Mask Designer
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director (Original)
Mask Designer
 
[New York, 2007]
Director
Scenery/Costumes
 
[New York, 2005]
Director
 
[US Tour, 2002]
Mask Co-Designer
Puppet Co-Designer
Lyricist (Additional Lyrics)
Costume Designer
Director
 
[Broadway, 2000]
Puppets/Masks
Director
Puppet Designer
Mask Designer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Costume Designer
Director
Mask Designer
Puppet Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Puppet Designer
Costume Designer
Mask Designer
Director
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1996]
Designer
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1989]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
Director
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Choreographer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Puppet and Mask Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Puppets/Masks
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Choreographer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1982]
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Costume Designer
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1981]
Scenic Designer
Puppet Designer
Mask Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1980]
Scenic Designer
Puppet and Mask Designer
Costume Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1979]
Scenery/Costumes/Puppets/Masks

Writing

Bookwriter
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Julie Taymor, A Midsummer Night's Dream


winner
Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Costume Designer

Julie Taymor, The Lion King

Olivier Awards - 2000 - Best Director

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Puppet Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama League Awards - 1998 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Julie Taymor


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Director - Musical

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1998 - Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1998 - Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Direction of a Musical

Julie Taymor, The Lion King

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Costume Design

Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Director - Musical

Julie Taymor, The Lion King


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Puppet Design

Julie Taymor, The Lion King

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Set Design - Musical

Julie TaymorJuan Darient: A Carnival Mass

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Direction of a Musical

Julie Taymor, Juan Darien

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Scenic Design

Julie Taymor, Juan Darien

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Costume Design

Julie Taymor, The Tempest

Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Scott Wentworth, Welcome to the Club


winner
Obie Awards - 1988 - Direction

Julie TaymorJuan Darien


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1988 - Concept Pupperty and Masks

Julie Taymor, Juan Darien


winner
Obie Awards - 1985 - Special Citations

Julie Taymor


winner
The Hewes Awards - 1980 - Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design

Julie Taymor, The Haggadah

Videos

News


Al Hakawati Theatre Collective's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS) Comes to La MaMa
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of The Thousand and One Nights, a reimagining of the  epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
Video: Joshua Blue Sings from Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2025

The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
La MaMa To Present AL HAKAWATI THEATRE COLLECTIVE's ألف ليلة وليلة (THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS)
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 16, 2025

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present the workshop production of ألف ليلة وليلة (The Thousand and One Nights), a bold reimagining of the legendary epic from Lebanese-American director and playwright Ghina Fawaz and Turkish dramaturg and artist Begüm 'Begsy' Inal.
Video: New Trailer For Met Opera's THE MAGIC FLUTE
by Joshua Wright - Dec 16, 2025

Get a first look at The Metropolitan Opera's revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, with all new-clips of Julie Taymor’s production. The Met welcome soprano Rainelle Krause for her company debut as the Queen of the Night. Krause, who has earned international recognition for her interpretation of the role, will appear in six performances of the production during the run.
Video: New Look At Mozart’s THE MAGIC FLUTE At the Metropolitan Opera
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 12, 2025

The Metropolitan Opera has released a rehearsal video from its upcoming revival of THE MAGIC FLUTE, offering an early look at Julie Taymor’s production ahead of the opera’s holiday performances.
Review: MOZART’S THE MAGIC FLUTE at The Metropolitan Opera
by Gabby Ziccarelli - Dec 12, 2025

As the houselights dim at the Metropolitan Opera, the Julie Taymor–directed The Magic Flute transports viewers into a buoyant and kaleidoscopic fairy-tale dreamworld. This abridged, English-language production is a visually sumptuous version of Mozart's singspiel bathed in bold primary colors, shaped by ingenious Masonic-inspired geometric staging, and animated by exquisite puppetry.  
Review: THE LION KING at The Paramount Theatre
by Shelley Dean - Dec 10, 2025

Stage adaptations of movies are always tricky, but there’s a certain level of prestige that comes with adapting and pulling off one of the most loved and highly regarded movie adaptations of all time. The Lion King holds a deep residency in so many hearts, having loved the movie from a very early age, many people associate specific memories and people with the classic tale.
Broadway Star Meredith Patterson Shines In WINTER WONDERLAND
by Gillian Blum - Dec 7, 2025

Merie Productions will present Winter Wonderland, an elegant holiday concert starring Broadway's Meredith Patterson for one more night only on Friday, December 13 at 101 Central's Second Story in downtown Whitefish.
SUZY EDDIE IZZARD TALKS SHAKESPEEARE N'STUFF [FORSOOTH] is Coming to Chicago Shakespeare Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025

Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present a one-night-only benefit event: Suzy Eddie Izzard Talks Shakespeare N’Stuff [Forsooth] in January in The Yard.
Review: THE OUTSIDERS National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center
by Jeffrey Kare - Dec 3, 2025

Based on S. E. Hinton’s 1967 novel of the same name as well as Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film adaptation. The Outsiders is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ as they battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. Together, the Greasers fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that doesn't accept them.
FROM THE OTHER SIDE Begins At La MaMa In December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2025

From December 3-14, 2025, FROM THE OTHER SIDE transforms La MaMa into a home for an incredible group of Balkan artists, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 1PM.
Tickets For Disney’s THE LION KING Go On Sale In Grand Rapids On November 24
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 24, 2025

Broadway Grand Rapids and Disney Theatrical Group will place tickets on sale for THE LION KING’s return to DeVos Performance Hall beginning November 24 at noon.
Eddie Izzard to Bring SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET To Los Angeles
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 14, 2025

Tony Award-nominated Eddie Izzard will bring Shakespeare's Hamlet to life in a dynamic new staging of the iconic play, adapted by Mark Izzard and directed by Selina Cadell, in Los Angeles.
THE LION KING to Return to Seattle at The Paramount Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025

Disney’s The Lion King is coming to The Paramount Theatre stage.
Tickets for Disney’s THE LION KING at Providence Performing Arts Center Go On Sale November 14
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 3, 2025

Tickets for the long-awaited return of Disney’s The Lion King at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) will go on sale Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Interview: Jon Viktor Corpuz of A DRIVING BEAT at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
by Jim Munson - Oct 28, 2025

BroadwayWorld talks to Jon Viktor Corpuz, star of Jordan Ramirez Puckett's 'A Driving Beat' in its world premiere at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley October 29 to November 23 in Mountain View.
Bartlett Sher to Receive 2026 SDC Foundation 'Mr. Abbott' Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025

Bartlett Sher will be honored with Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation's “Mr. Abbott” Award, given to a director or choreographer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Broadway.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Julie Taymor written?

Julie Taymor has written 6 shows including The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), The Transposed Heads (Bookwriter), Juan Darien (Bookwriter), Juan Darién (Bookwriter), The Lion King (Composer), Spider-Man (Bookwriter).

What awards has Julie Taymor been nominated for?

Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Midsummer Night's Dream, Best Costume Designer (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Best Director (Olivier Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Costume Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lion King , Costume Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Lion King, Best Costume Design (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King , Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Puppet Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King, Outstanding Set Design - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Juan Darient: A Carnival Mass, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Best Scenic Design (Tony Awards) for Juan Darien, Outstanding Costume Design (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tempest, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Welcome to the Club, Direction (Obie Awards) for Juan Darien, Concept Pupperty and Masks (The Hewes Awards) for Juan Darien, Special Citations (Obie Awards) and Scenic, Costume and Puppet Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Haggadah.

What awards has Julie Taymor won?

Julie Taymor has received numerous awards for her work, especially for The Lion King. Her accolades include Best Costume Designer at the Olivier Awards and Outstanding Costume Design at the Drama Desk Awards for The Lion King. She also won Outstanding Director - Musical and Outstanding Puppet Design at the Drama Desk Awards for the same show. Additionally, Taymor earned Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. Her costume and directing work on The Lion King were further recognized with Best Costume Design and Best Director - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as Costume Design and Noteworthy/Unusual Effects Design at The Hewes Awards. She received Tony Awards for Best Costume Design and Best Direction of a Musical for The Lion King. Taymor's work on Juan Darien earned her Direction at the Obie Awards and Concept Puppetry and Masks at The Hewes Awards. She was also honored with Special Citations from the Obie Awards and Scenic, Costume, and Puppet Design awards from The Hewes Awards for The Haggadah.

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Videos