Scott Gries/Invision/AP, Sasha Mordovets/Getty ImagesTalk about your strange bedfellows...
Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, Harry Styles and Russell Brand join British Prime Minister David Cameron and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the running for Villain of the Year, perhaps the oddest "honor" included among the nominees for the 2014 NME Awards, the annual establishment-bashing kudosfest put on by the music publication.
Considering defending champ One Direction is also up for Worst Band (along with The Wanted, 30 Seconds to Mars, Imagine Dragons, The 1975 and Muse) for the second year in a row, 2013 winner Harry's inclusion in that subjective category yet again doesn't come as much of a surprise—especially considering he's fast becoming the unofficial face of the adorable lad group.
NME's nominating process also has Brand up for Hero of the Year, among the estimable likes of David Bowie, Pussy Riot and the late Lou Reed.
"Gotta take the rough with the smooth eh?" Styles tweeted last year after his big win.
And considering Pussy Riot are among the heroes, so goes Putin's nomination as a villain, considering it was his government that imprisoned (and has since amnestied) the all-girl punk group for so-called hooliganism.
And though they aren't nominated together, presumably Miley and Robin Thicke aided each other's claim on the ignominious title.
Among the artists and entertainment that NME does like?
Kanye West is up for best solo artist, best album for Yeezus and music moment of the year, for bringing Jesus onstage during his shows.
Muse may be up for worst band, but its rabid fan base is apparently too great to be ignored and is vying against the lovers of Haim, Morrissey, Arctic Monkey, Peace and Hurts for best fan community.
NME is also after our own heart with its list of possible winners for best TV show: Breaking Bad, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones and Sherlock are among the nominees.
The 2014 NME Awards will take place Feb. 26 at O2 Academy in London's can't-help-but-be-trendy Brixton neighborhood.