Tony Award Countdown: 30 Years In 30 Days, LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL's Audra McDonald Acknowledges The Shoulders She Stands On, 2014

Welcome to BroadwayWorld's Tony Award Countdown: 30 Years In 30 Days, a look at some of the Tony Awards' most memorable moments from the past three decades.

Since being awarded a Tony for the first time she was eligible, in 1994 for her supporting performance as Carrie Pipperidge in CAROUSEL, Audra McDonald has had a lot of experience giving acceptance speeches. But the one she made in 2014 as Best Leading Actress in a Play for LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL was exceptional.

Surpassing the record held by both Angela Lansbury and Julie Harris for most Tony wins in acting categories, a teary-eyed McDonald seemed overwhelmed as she received a standing ovation from a packed Radio City Music Hall audience for receiving her sixth. Her previous Tony wins also included MASTER CLASS, RAGTIME, A RAISIN IN THE SUN and PORGY AND BESS, making her the only performer to be awarded in all four acting categories.

After thanking those in her personal and professional life, McDonald offered a stirring tribute to the "strong and brave and courageous women" who came before her.

The American Theatre Wing's 70th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Tony Award winner James Corden, will air on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, June 12, 2016 (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) live from the Beacon Theatre in New York City.