The phrase "potential nominees" refers to people who are being considered or who have a chance to be chosen for an award, position, or role in the future. Full definition
Does his shortlist of potential nominees make good on the promise? (abajournal.com)
With 2016 yielding a bumper crop of excellent films and performances, some perfectly worthy potential nominees were bound to get edged out. (rollingstone.com)
Yes, there are six potential nominees here, not five; no, that's not a mistake. (vanityfair.com)