Ian Charleson Awards

The Ian Charleson Awards are theatrical awards that reward the best classical stage performances in Britain by actors under age 30. The awards are named in memory of the British actor Ian Charleson, and are run by the Sunday Times newspaper and the National Theatre. The awards were established in 1990 after Charleson's death, and have been awarded annually since then. Sunday Times theatre critic John Peter (1938–2020) initiated the creation of the awards, particularly in memory of Charleson's extraordinary Hamlet, which he had performed shortly before his death. Recipients receive a cash prize, as do runners-up and third-place winners.

The awards' current definition of a classical play is one written before 1918. The awards for the previous year's performances are presented in the spring of the following year. The winners for 2022 were announced 28 May 2023, and first prize went to Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran.