Part of a list at an awards show

NOMINEE

This person or work is in the running but hasn’t won yet—often mentioned before the envelope is opened.

At an awards show, the "list" usually refers to the names of people or works being considered for an award. The clue hints at someone who’s been officially put forward for that honor—hence "nominee," the term for a person or thing nominated. There’s no wordplay here; it’s a straightforward definition pointing to a common awards ceremony term. Think of the Oscars or Grammys when they announce "the nominees are..." before revealing the winner.