In an exciting announcement, the Society of London Theatre has revealed the nominations for the highly anticipated 2022 Oliver Awards. The star-studded occasion, which celebrates the best of British theater, promises to be a thrilling event with a lineup of talented actors, directors, and productions vying for recognition.

Hannah Waddingham, known for her role in the popular series Ted Lasso, kicked off the proceedings by performing a captivating number alongside singer and pianist Joe Stilgoe. Waddingham, who hosted last year's ceremony, was promptly invited back by the Oliver Awards administrators due to her outstanding performance.

The nominations are filled with notable names from both stage and screen. Sarah Jessica Parker, famed for her iconic role in Sex and the City, has been honored in the Best Actress category for her astute comic timing in Neil Simon's Plaza Suite, where she stars alongside her husband Matthew Broderick.

James Norton, known for his roles in Little Women and Happy Valley, has received a Best Actor nomination for his performance in A Little Life. Luke Thompson (Bridgerton) and Zubin Varla (Andor) have also been recognized for their supporting roles in A Little Life, which was adapted from Hanna Yanagihara's novel by director Ivo van Hove and Koen Tachelet.

Sarah Snook, acclaimed for her role in the TV series Succession, has caught the attention of critics as she is nominated for Best Actress for her outstanding portrayal in the Sydney Theatre Company's rendition of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. Andrew Scott, known for his lead role in the Netflix drama Ripley, has also been recognized for his versatile performance in Vanya, where he embodied eight different characters.

Sheridan Smith, the BAFTA award-winning actress, has earned praise for her sublime solo performance in the revival of Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine. Meanwhile, Daniel Mays, who starred opposite Smith in Mrs. Biggs, has been nominated for his debut in musical theater for his role in the joyous revival of Guys & Dolls.

The nominations extend beyond the realm of acting, with esteemed directors like Rupert Goold, Sam Mendes, and Stephen Daldry being acknowledged for their exceptional work. Jamie Lloyd is recognized for his direction of the iconic Sunset Boulevard, while Jack Thorne's play The Motive and the Cue, directed by Sam Mendes, also garnered attention.

In the realm of design and production, the nominations include awards for set design, costume design, lighting design, and sound design. Notable productions such as Stranger Things: The First Shadow and The Picture of Dorian Gray have been recognized for their outstanding contributions in these categories.

The 2022 Oliver Awards promises to be a spectacular event celebrating the achievements of the British theater industry. The winners will be announced in the grand ceremony, set to take place on a yet-to-be-disclosed date. As the anticipation builds, theater enthusiasts and industry professionals eagerly await to see who will take home the coveted awards in each category.