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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


Raúl Esparza and Helen J Shen Will Announce 70th Annual Drama Desk Nominations Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2026

Raúl Esparza and Helen J Shen will announce the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards nominations next week. Learn more about the upcoming event and the awards ceremony here!
Review: THE LION KING at Broadway Grand Rapids
by Brian Hilbrand - Apr 21, 2026

The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 23 years, and during that time has welcomed over 25 million theatergoers, making it North America’s longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to the DeVos Performance Hall. Michigan talent takes center stage with Disney’s The Lion King, as several accomplished musicians bring their artistry to the acclaimed production. Music Director Karl Shymanovtiz, born in Southfield and raised in Warren, uses his Michigan upbringing to lead the orchestra. Guitarist Robert Tye, born and raised in Detroit and now a resident of Birmingham, adds dynamic rhythm and texture to the show’s powerful score. Flutist Darlene Drew (Interview), born in Detroit and raised in Dearborn Heights, and a Comstock Park resident, brings elegance to the woodwind section. Keyboardist Eric Banitt, from Marquette, contributes depth and energy to the production’s vibrant musical landscape.
Feature: A FANTASY WORLD COMES TO LIFE IN AWAKENING AT THE WYNN LAS VEGAS
by Debbie Hall - Apr 21, 2026

Every night on the Vegas Strip, Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas transforms the world. This show doesn’t just perform on stage—it pulls in the audience. The visuals are wild, the imagination explodes, and the stage magic comes to life with award-winning puppet master Michael Curry.
DISNEY’S THE LION KING To Return To London Zoo With Summer Exhibition
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 16, 2026

Disney's THE LION KING will partner with London Zoo for a second year, presenting a free exhibition featuring costumes, masks, and puppets from the West End production, alongside new expert-led talks on African wildlife.
SPRING AWAKENING Original Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now?
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 11, 2026

Two decades after Spring Awakening first premiered on Broadway, BroadwayWorld is taking a look back at what the cast of this era-defining musical, including Lea Michele, Jonathan Groff, and more has been up to.
BOOP!, HELL'S KITCHEN and More Set for RBTL's 26-27 Season at West Herr Auditorium Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2026

A seven-show 2026-2027 M&T Bank Broadway Season will take place in Rochester, including four local premieres including Boop! The Musical, Hell's Kitchen, and more.
THE OUTSIDERS, HADESTOWN, and More Set For Broadway in Indianapolis 2026/2027 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2026

Broadway in Indianapolis has announced its 2026/2027 season, featuring a lineup of acclaimed shows set to captivate audiences in Indianapolis. Learn more here!
New Simba and Nala Will Join Disney's THE LION KING in the West End
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2026

Posi Morakinyo and Asha Parker-Wallace will star as Simba and Nala in the West End production of THE LION KING, announced for March 2026. Learn more about the new cast members here!
Interview: Theatre Life with Suzy Eddie Izzard
by Elliot Lanes - Mar 13, 2026

Today’s subject Suzy Eddie Izzard is an award-winning performer, marathon runner, and author. Her tour de force solo show The Tragedy of Hamlet will be seen right here in DC at Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) from March 27th to April 11th. The show will be performed in STC’s Klein Theatre.
OH, MARY!, THE OUTSIDERS, and More Set For Broadway San Diego 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2026

Broadway San Diego has announced its 49th Season, bringing Broadway's current productions direct from New York City to San Diego. Learn more about the lineup here!
Meet the Cast of GIANT, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 11, 2026

Performances are now underway for the Broadway run of the Olivier Award-winning hit play Giant, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Nicholas Hytner and written by Mark Rosenblatt. Meet the cast here!
THE OUTSIDERS, DEATH BECOMES HER, and More Set For Broadway in Hollywood 2026-27 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2026

The 2026-27 season has been announced for Broadway in Hollywood, which will feature seven Los Angeles premieres direct from Broadway, a rock theatrical  classic, and the return of two Broadway blockbusters.
Lilli Cooper, Mandy Gonzalez, Nikki M. James and Betsy Wolfe Join New 42 Artist Council
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2026

New 42, the performing arts nonprofit behind New 42 Studios and New Victory Theater, has added Lilli Cooper, Mandy Gonzalez, Nikki M. James and Betsy Wolfe to the New 42 Artist Council. 
THE OUTSIDERS, THE NOTEBOOK, and More Set For Wharton Center's 26-27 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 3, 2026

Wharton Center has announced a lineup of shows that will entertain and inspire audiences for its 45th season. Learn more about the upcoming lineup here!
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, WICKED, THE GREAT GATSBY & More Set For Tanger Center Broadway 2026–27 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 3, 2026

The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with Nederlander and PFM, will present its 2026-27 Broadway season in Greensboro, NC, including shows like WICKED and THE GREAT GATSBY.
La MaMa and Krymov Lab NYC to Present UNCLE VANYA in April 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 2, 2026

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present Krymov Lab NYC's UNCLE VANYA, scenes from country life, from March 28 to April 12, 2026, at The Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York.
ANTIGONE IN ANALYSIS Premieres at La MaMa, A Feminist Reinterpretation of Greek Myth
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 24, 2026

OBIE and NYIT Award-winning Peculiar Works Project returns to La MaMa ETC's Downstairs Theatre for the world premiere of Antigone in Analysis, written by Barbara Barclay and directed by Ralph Lewis, running March 20 - April 5, 2026.
TOP 5: Los vídeos más reproducidos en la historia del canal de YouTube de Broadway World Spain
by Adela González Pérez - Feb 23, 2026

Analizamos los vídeos más icónicos de nuestro canal de YouTube, donde los grandes clásicos internacionales y los fenómenos nacionales demuestran su impacto innegable.
DEATH BECOMES HER, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, BOOP! and More Set for PNC Broadway in Louisville 2026-2027 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2026

PNC Broadway in Louisville has announced its 2026-2027 Season which welcomes five Louisville premieres including the 2025 Tony Award-winning Best Musical MAYBE HAPPY ENDING.
THE LION KING Will Welcome Mduduzi Madela as Simba Beginning February 24
by Stephi Wild - Feb 13, 2026

The Lion King has announced that longtime cast member Mduduzi Madela will assume the role of Simba beginning Tuesday, February 24. Learn more about him here!

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 accolades throughout her career, including: - Best Costume Designer (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 - 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 - Direction (Obie Awards) for Juan Darien - Concept Puppetry and Masks (The Hewes Awards) for Juan Darien - Special Citations (Obie Awards) - Scenic, Costume, and Puppet Design (The Hewes Awards) for The Haggadah

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