@W1zzard, due to the controversy over award designations, why not use the more objective data of your very nice X / Y analysis charts rather than the subjective choice/recommended awards? Here are some examples:
Highest performance award - #1 on relative performance per frame charts
High performance award - in the top 2-5
You could use a zig zag arrow going up and to the right as the award graphic.
Mother Nature award - #1 on efficiency charts
Good for the planet award - in the top 2-5
You could use a green leaf or a globe as the award graphic.
Best value award - #1 on performance per dollar charts
Great value award - in the top 2-5
You could use a coin as the award graphic.
Most innovative AIB award - #1 on noise, temp, cooler charts for a particular SKU (ie. 4090)
Innovative AIB award - in the top 2-5
You could use a fan as the award graphic.
I know it seems simple and a rehash of the data in another way but it would be harder for readers to argue the objective data found in your tests. The above would also limit the number of awards to the most standout products. Of course a single product could get multiple awards in this way. I also suggest placing the award icons at the top of the Value & Conclusions page. That would encourage readers to go back and focus on those awarded metrics and maybe read the conclusions rather than just stop reading at the Pros/Cons section.