It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2026? Over the next 3 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2026.

• Read on for the nominees for the monsta for Best TV/Film Actress of 2026 Previous winners 2025 Erin Doherty, Adolescence (Netflix); 2024 Cynthia Erivo (Wicked Part 1); Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso (Apple TV) and Eurovision 2023: Liverpool (BBC); 2022: Millie Bobby Brown (Enola Holmes 2); 2021: Lady Gaga (House Of Gucci); 2020: Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You), 2019: Glenda Jackson (Elizabeth Is Missing), 2018: Lady Gaga (A Star Is Born), 2017: Elisabeth Moss (A Handmaid’s Tale), 2016: Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag), 2015: Charlotte Rampling (45 Years)

1. Elizabeth Berrington, Tip Toe Q&A and preview

2. Jessie Buckley, Hamnet Review

3. Diane Morgan, Ann Droid (BBC1)

4. Samantha Morton, The Odyssey Review

5. Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay (Apple)

• Who should win? Tell us in the comments below or email us at neildurham3@gmail.com. Winner revealed on this site on 30/12/26
• Vote for 2026’s best podcast, best venue, best gig, best song, best album, best TV, best film, 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