It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2025? Over the next week we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2025.

• Read on for the nominees for the monsta for the Best Performance Of A Song 2025 Previous winners 2024 Katy Owen, The Buddha Of Suburbia 2023 Marisha Wallace Guys And Dolls 2022: Jodie Comer Prima Facie; 2021 Jessie Buckley Cabaret; 2020: Lesley Manville Talking Heads, 2019: Monica Dolan Appropriate, 2018: Sharon D. Clarke Caroline Or Change?, 2017: Imelda Staunton Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, 2016: Jade Anouka Shakespeare Trilogy, 2015: Sheridan Smith Funny Girl

1. Cate Blanchett, The Seagull, Barbican Centre Review

2. Julie Hesmondhalgh, Punch, Young Vic Review 

3. Tamzin Outhwaite, Entertaining Mr Sloane Review

4. Mason Alexander Park, Oh, Mary!, Trafalgar Theatre Review and Tickets

5. Rachel Zegler, EVITA, London Palladium 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 25/12/25
• Vote for best  podcast, best venue, best gig, best song, best album, best TV, bestfilm, best tv/film actor, best tv/film actress, best new play, best revival, best performance of a song, best new musical, best theatre actor, best theatre actress, best theatre supporting actor and best theatre supporting actress
• Enjoyed this shortlist? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook