Actors Alec Baldwin, Tom Hanks and Jake Gyllenhaal have been nominated for the New York Drama League's prestigious Distinguished Performance award.

Other hopefuls aiming to take home the coveted theatre prize include Bette Midler, Vanessa Williams and Edie Falco, as well as Alan Cumming, who has been recognised for his one-man Shakespeare show, MACbeth.

The Lucky Guy, The Whale, The Nance, The Assembled Parties, Old Hats, The Testament of Mary, I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will compete for the title of Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play, while Cyndi Lauper's Kinky Boots, Matilda: The Musical, Motown: The Musical, Dogfight, Here Lies Love, Murder Ballad and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 will fight it out for the title of Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Musical.

The nominated revivals include Annie, Pippin, As You Like It, and Golden Boy.

In addition, Bernadette Peters will be feted with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre trophy and Jerry Mitchell will receive the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing.

The winners will be announced at the 79th annual ceremony on 17 May (13).