D&AD has chosen the global jury for the 2026 D&AD Awards, bringing together leading creatives from more than 40 countries to judge the very best in commercial creativity. 15 creatives from Australia will join the international jury, including three jury presidents, reflecting the country’s continued influence across design, craft and creative innovation. The jurors from Australia are:

D&AD Jury Presidents 

In 2025, there were 64 winning entries from Australia, reinforcing the country’s standing on the global creative stage.

The current list of over 300 international judges can be found on the D&AD website with more to be added in the coming days.

This year’s jury reflects the changing shape of the creative industry. For 2026, independent studios now make up around half of the jury, alongside an increased number of brand-side representatives, including creatives from global brands such as Lego, Unilever and adidas, reflecting the breadth of creative leadership today, spanning world-class agencies, brands and independent studios, while maintaining the rigorous standards D&AD is known for. The jury will assess work across 46 categories, against the core principles that have defined D&AD for more than six decades – originality, craft and creative excellence.

The D&AD Awards 2026 also reflect the organisation’s provocation to the industry. In line with its recent Creativity is Alivemanifesto, the D&AD Awards challenge creatives, brands and studios to demonstrate that creativity is alive through action, making and world-class work. The D&AD Awards return in May 2026, with live judging taking place May 17-20, and winners announced on 20 May. Running alongside this, the D&AD Festival will take place across the Southbank May 19-20, featuring Insight Sessions exploring the work judges championed and challenged, the debates inside the jury rooms, and the themes and trends that emerged. 

The Festival will also include keynote talks curated by D&AD President, Lisa Smith, as well as the Yellow Pencil Showcase, where the winning work for 2026 will be revealed and explored with insight from the jury presidents.

This year, D&AD will also offer a number of free festival tickets to support creatives who have recently been made redundant, reinforcing its commitment to the creative community during a challenging period for the industry.

The Black Pencil, D&AD’s highest honour, the President’s Award, individual rankings and Company of the Year, will be announced and celebrated separately in September.

Donal Keenan, COO, D&AD, stated, “As a global non-profit, D&AD exists to uphold creative standards for the industry. The Awards are judged by creatives, for creatives and this year’s jury reflects the reality of how great work is made today, while maintaining the rigour and integrity that have defined D&AD for more than six decades.” 

Lisa Smith, D&AD President and Uncommon Global Chief Design Officer, added,“Creativity thrives when it’s actively supported, challenged and put into practice. This year’s jury brings together people who are deeply involved in making great work happen and who understand the responsibility that comes with recognising and championing creative excellence.”

D&AD Awards 2026 is now open for entry. Find full details on categories, judging criteria, pricing and deadlines, on the D&AD website.

Key Dates

• 11 February 2026: Early Bird Discount Deadline (save 20% on entries)
• 19 March 2026: Final Awards entry deadline
• 19 – 20 May 2026: Shortlist Announced
• 20 May 2026: D&AD Pencils Announced 
• 19 – 20May 2026:   D&AD Festival
• September 2026: D&AD Awards Ceremony

Tickets for the Festival go on sale on February 12 via the D&AD Festival website.