The Obie Awards, also known as the Off-Broadway Theater Awards, are an annual theater award given to recognize excellence in Off-Broadway theater. The awards were established in 1956 by Edwin and Ruth Daniels, a couple who were passionate about the Off-Broadway theater scene. The Obie Awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and the Village Voice newspaper. The awards are given out in various categories, including performance, direction, design, and playwriting.