The Sunday Herald Culture Awards categories

Best Screen Actor: female or male, for a powerful performance in film or on TV Best Theatre Actor: female or male, for a mesmerising stage performance that left audiences transfixed Best Dance Performer: for an outstanding dance performance whether traditional, ballet, avant-garde, or hip-hop Best Musical Artist: for solo singers, players, songwriters and composers, based on artistic merit as well as commercial success Best Musical Group: for the best ensemble from rock and pop to classical and community choir

One to Watch: top new or emerging talent in any field of artistic endeavour (sponsored by Edinburgh Napier University) Best Visual Artist: for painters, sculptors, photographers, graffiti artists or anyone working in multimedia

Author of the Year: for the literary star who has really put Scottish letters on the map

Best Live Performance: whether in a stadium of thousands or an acoustic performance in front of a small audience

Technical Award: for the top unsung heroes of the Scottish art scene – set designers, sound engineers, make-up artists and wardrobe

Designer Award: for designers big and small in graphics, illustration, books, jewellery, interiors and textiles

Cultural Event of the Year: any event that exceeded expectations and delivered a truly enriching experience of Scottish culture (sponsored by EventScotland) Judges Choice Award: for absolute stand-out prominence in the Scottish arts (presented by The Sunday Herald) Best Performing Arts Venue: big or small, Scotland’s best venue

Lifetime Achievement: for a veteran of the arts scene who has flown the flag for the Scottish creative industries (sponsored by Edinburgh Napier University)