It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2023? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 16 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2023.

• Read on for the nominees for the monsta for Best Theatre Actor of 2023 Previous winners 2022 Mark Rylance (Jerusalem) Review; 2021 James McArdle (The Tragedy Of Macbeth); 2020 winner: Michael Balogun (Death of England: Delroy), 2019: Daniel Monks (Teenage Dick), 2018: Arinze Kene (Misty), 2017: Andrew Scott (Hamlet), 2016: George Mackay (The Caretaker), 2015: James McAvoy (The Ruling Class) 

1. Mike Faist, Brokeback Mountain, @SohoPlace Review

2. Johnny Flynn, The Motive and The Cue, National Theatre Review Tickets

3. Joseph Fiennes, Dear England, National Theatre and Prince Edward Theatre Review Tickets

4. Charlie Stemp, Crazy For You, Gillian Lynne Theatre Review Tickets

5. Luke Thompson, A Little Life, Harold Pinter Theatre, Review

• Who should win? Tell us in the comments below or email us at neildurham3@gmail.com. Winner revealed on this site on 30/12/23
• Vote for best podcast, best venue , best TV/film actress, best TV/film actor, best supporting actor, best TV, best gig, best album, best new play, best new musical, best film, best song, best revival, best performance of a song, best theatre actor and best theatre actress
• Enjoyed this shortlist? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook