Licensing International has unveiled the full slate of finalists for its annual Excellence Awards, celebrating standout creativity and innovation across the global brand licensing industry.

This year’s Excellence Awards feature 223 finalists in 35 categories. More than 800 submissions were reviewed by a panel that includes 300 judges from 20 countries.

Maura Regan, President of Licensing International, said:

“The strength of this year’s finalists reflects the continued evolution of the global licensing industry. From innovative collaborations to meaningful brand extensions, this group represents the creativity and strategic thinking driving the licensing industry forward. We’re proud to recognize their work and look forward to celebrating their achievements.”

Award winners will be revealed during the Licensing International Excellence Awards on Monday, May 18 at the HyperX Arena Las Vegas at the Luxor, just ahead of Licensing Expo, which will run May 19–21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Registration for the awards ceremony will be available on the Licensing International website.

2026 Finalists Highlights

Best Animated Brand

• Bluey – BBC Studios, Ludo Studios
• CHIIKAWA – SPIRALCUTE (Alifish)
• Hello Kitty and Friends – Sanrio
• Paddington – STUDIOCANAL Kids & Family Ltd.
• Peanuts – Peanuts Worldwide
• Peppa Pig – Hasbro
• The Smurfs – Peyo Company
• Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir – Miraculous Corp

Best Corporate Brand

• ARM & HAMMER – Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (Brandgenuity)
• Ford (CAA Brand Management)
• Goodyear – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (IMG)
• Kodak – Kodak Ltd
• Toyota – Toyota Motor Corporation (Joester Loria Group)
• United States Postal Service (Global Icons)

Best Food, Beverage, or Restaurant Brand

• 7-Eleven (The Brand Liaison)
• Coca-Cola
• Dole (Beanstalk)
• Hershey (Brand Activation Consulting)
• Mikes Hot Honey (Brandgenuity)
• PEEPS® (Brand Activation Consulting)
• Starburst (Brand Central)
• Tapatio Hot Sauce (Brand Central)
• Violet Crumble (Asembl Brands)

Best Interactive or Digital Brand

• Angry Birds
• Chefclub
• Fortnite (IMG)
• Minecraft (CAA Brand Management)
• PAC-MAN
• Tetris

Best Live Action Brand

• Jurassic World Rebirth – Universal Products & Experiences
• The Last of Us – Sony Pictures Entertainment
• Monster Jam – Feld Entertainment
• Stranger Things 5 – Netflix
• The White Lotus – Warner Bros Discovery

Best Music Artist or Celebrity Brand

• Dolly Parton – Speckled Bird Productions (IMG)
• Grateful Dead – Warner Music Experience
• Iron Maiden – Iron Maiden LLP (Global Merchandising Services)
• Martha Stewart – Marquee Brands
• Oasis – Oasis Merchandising Ltd (Global Merchandising Services)
• The Rolling Stones – MUSIDOR BV (Bravado)

Best Toys, Games, Novelties, or Role Play (ages 8+) Product

• LEGO – Gremlins Gizmo
• LEGO – Star Wars Death Star
• Mattel – MoMA Collection
• MGA – Miniverse Make it Mini Back to Hogwarts
• Pop Mart – MEGA SPACE MOLLY 1000% Stranger Things
• Pop Mart – Van Gogh Museum Sunflowers (IMG)
• Spin Master – How to Train Your Dragon, Real Flying RC Toothless

Best Experiential or Location-Based Initiative

• Cookie Monster Cafe (Haven Global)
• The FRIENDS Experience Las Vegas
• How Do You Do, Snoopy? 75 Years: A Journey of Friendship Through Art (WildBrain CPLG)
• Netflix House
• Red Bull Tetris World Final
• The Wizard of Oz at Sphere

Best Sustainability Initiative

• The Beatrix Potter x Pure Lakes Collaboration (Penguin Ventures)
• byKamy x DC: Upcycled Handmade Rugs Collection
• BMW x CASETiFY Innovation Collection: Sustainability Meets Iconic Design (Brandgenuity)
• Moomin Imperfect Collection (Rights & Brands)
• Volve Cars + Plaza Sésame – Responsible Mobility Campaign