DHAKA: US actress Audra McDonald has won a record sixth Tony award, at a star-studded ceremony in New York. 

Audra cried as she accepted the best dramatic actress award for her role as jazz singer Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.

Her latest win matched the record of late actress Julie Harris, who also won six Tonys, including a special lifetime achievement award.

Bryan Cranston won best dramatic actor for his Broadway debut in All the Way.

The Breaking Bad star played US president Lyndon B Johnson in the production, which was also named best play.

Audra is the first person to win a Tony in each of the four acting categories.

In a tearful acceptance speech, she said, ‘I want to thank all the shoulders of the strong and brave and courageous women that I am standing on’, she said, reports the BBC.

‘And most of all Billie Holiday. You deserve so much more than you were given when you were on this earth.’

BDST: 1821 HRS, JUNE 09, 2014