It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2024? Over the next month we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our 10th annual Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2024.

• Read on for the nominees for the monsta for the Best Theatre Actor 2023 winner Charlie Stemp, Crazy For You, Gillian Lynne Theatre Review, 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. Steve Coogan, Dr Strangelove, Noel Coward Theatre Review Tickets

2. Paapa Essiedu, Death Of England: The Plays, @SohoPlace Review 

3. Ncuti Gatwa, The Importance Of Being Earnest, National Theatre Review Tickets

4. John Lithgow, Giant, Royal Court Theatre Review Tickets

5. Ian McKellen, Player Kings, Noel Coward Theatre Review

• Who should win? Tell us in the comments below, on social media or email us at neildurham3@gmail.com. Winner revealed on this site on 30/12/24
• Vote for best podcast, best venue, best TV, best new play, best album, best song, best performance of a song, best gig, best film, best TV/film actor, best TV/film actress, best theatre supporting actor, best theatre supporting actress, best theatre actor, best theatre actress, best revival, best new musical
• Enjoyed this shortlist? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook