The Iambic Pentameter Award for Best Actor in a Shakespeare Play is an award presented annually by the Iambic Pentameter Club. It is given to an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a leading role in a play that opened that year. The award is traditionally presented by the incumbent Creative Director of Iambic Pentameter.
While there is typically only one Iambic Pentameter production per year, the plays often feature an ensemble cast with multiple leads, giving multiple actors the opportunity to win the award. Performers can also be nominated for performing a leading role's amount of stage time in smaller roles; for example, XC Clements received a special nomination in the leading role category for their six supporting roles in the 2021 season.
The most recent winner of the award is Mark Rourke, who won for his role as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing (2021).