John Lithgow, 80, makes Tony Awards history as actor bags TWO records during star-studded Broadway ceremony

John Lithgow has etched his name into Tony Awards history after claiming the best actor in a play prize for his performance in Giant at the age of 80.

The veteran performer's triumph makes him the oldest man ever to secure a competitive acting Tony, surpassing the previous record held jointly by Dick Latessa and André De Shields, who were both 73 when they won.

Mr Lithgow's victory also represents the longest gap between competitive acting Tony wins in the ceremony's history at 53 years.

His first Tony came in 1973 for featured actor in a play in The Changing Room, eclipsing Angela Lansbury's previous record of 43 years by a full decade.

In Giant, Mr Lithgow portrays the celebrated children's author during a tumultuous period in the 1980s when Roald Dahl faced intense criticism for his antisemitic remarks.

The production, directed by Nicholas Hytner, depicts a 1983 lunch meeting where Mr Dahl confronts a representative from his American publisher following controversial comments about Jewish people.

Accepting his award, Mr Lithgow reflected on the significance of the role: "Because I play the lead role in an extraordinary play, Giant.

"A stunning play made by people full of love and kindness. But it's a play about cruelty in a cruel age."

The actor also acknowledged his fellow nominees with characteristic wit: "The other gentlemen in my category, you all deserve this. I got it."

His performance had previously earned him an Olivier Award during the production's West End run.

Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman emerged as the evening's most decorated production, collecting six awards, including best play revival.

Laurie Metcalf, known for her role in Roseanne, secured the best featured actress in a play prize for her portrayal of Willy Loman's wife alongside Nathan Lane in the lead role.

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The revival also claimed recognition for Joe Mantello's direction, as well as technical honours for scenic design, sound design and lighting design.

Schmigadoon!, adapted from the Apple TV series, captured the best new musical award on the night.

The production, which parodies classic Broadway shows such as The Music Man and Oklahoma!, follows a couple who become trapped in a Brigadoon-style fantasy world.

Ragtime, a musical exploring themes of immigration, racial violence and industrial wealth in America, took home the best musical revival prize, with Joshua Henry and Caissie Levy winning the leading actor and actress awards, respectively.

Liberation by Bess Wohl claimed best new play, having also secured the Pulitzer Prize for drama earlier this year.

The victory makes Ms Wohl only the fourth woman to win a best play Tony, joining Wendy Wasserstein, Yasmina Reza and Frances Goodrich.

"I want to honour women everywhere who have the courage to use their voice," Ms Wohl said during her acceptance speech.

British actress Lesley Manville enjoyed success at Radio City Music Hall, winning best performance by an actress in a leading role in a play for Oedipus.

Pop star Pink hosted the ceremony, opening proceedings suspended from a harness whilst dressed as Peter Pan.