Ah, awards season is upon us. While some are busy forecasting Grammy winners, guitar aficionados may very well be preoccupied by another awards ceremony — the Orville H. Gibson Guitar Awards. Artists compete in such categories as Best Rock Guitarist, Best Bassist and Best Guitar Band. Not surprisingly, U2 snagged nominations in all three of those categories this year, earning them the most nods.

What is surprising is Madonna's nomination for the Les Paul Horizon Award, which honors the most promising up-and-coming guitarist. Presumably she's being recognized for the work she did when she strapped on the old six-string during last year's Drowned World Tour. (Click for photos from the tour.)

Other nominees in the category are pop-rock newcomer Michelle Branch, John Mayer, Pete Yorn, bluesman Chris Thomas King and Latin-pop solo artist Juanes.

The annual Gibson Guitar Awards are voted on by members of the music media, and will be presented on February 26 at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, according to the Gibson guitar company.

To see the full list of nominees, visit gibson.com.