I know everyone’s looking forward to raising a glass to consumer products excellence at the LIMA Awards gala this month, but before heading down to New York, we thought it’d be fun to take a look at the field of nominees and see if we could ID some likely winners. Narrowing in on four key kids entertainment categories, here’s how the wins would play out, according to more than 150 licensing execs we polled. JC

Best Character Brand License of the Year

Peanuts – United Media

Also nominated are: Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (Mattel), Care Bears (American Greetings/The Joester Loria Group), Clifford – Japan (Scholastic Entertainment/Dentsu) and Strawberry Shortcake (American Greetings/DIC).

Best Character Brand Licensee of the Year – Hard Goods

Scholastic – It’s Happy Bunny books

Also nominated are: Dynacraft (Hot Wheels bike), Jakks Pacific (Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses dance mat and instructional video), Play Along (Care Bears plush) and Playmates Toys (Strawberry Shortcake doll range).

Best Film, Television & Entertainment

Brand License of the Year

Dora the Explorer – Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products

Also nominated are: American Idol (FremantleMedia Enterprises), Bratz (MGA Entertainment), Disney/Pixar Cars (The Walt Disney Company) and Thomas & Friends (HIT Entertainment).

Best Film, Television & Entertainment Brand Licensee of the Year – Hard Goods

Fisher-Price – T.M.X. Elmo

Also nominated: Bandai (Ben 10 toy line), Digital Blue (Disney digital cameras and accessories), Elizabeth Arden (Britney Spears Fantasy fragrance), Mattel (Disney/Pixar Cars Fast-Talkin’ Lightning McQueen interactive toy).