Sam Mendes wins a record three Oliviers

British director Sam Mendes won an unprecedented three Olivier Awards for his productions of “Uncle Vanya” and “Twelfth Night,” while the new Broadway play “Vincent in Brixton” won best play.

Mendes, 37, accepted his history-making honor Friday from New York, where his repertory productions of “Uncle Vanya” and “Twelfth Night” are playing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Last fall, the two plays closed out Mendes’ decade as artistic director of London’s Donmar Warehouse theater. The plays won Oliviers for best director and best revival, and a special prize was given to Mendes for his 10 years at the Donmar.

The Oliviers, England’s equivalent of Broadway’s Tonys, were announced Friday during a ceremony at the Lyceum Theatre. Acting honors went to Claire Higgins for her role in “Vincent in Brixton” and Simon Russell Beale for his role as Uncle Vanya.