The 2026 New York Festivals Advertising Awards has announced its shortlist. The international jurors evaluated entries from around the world, selecting campaigns from more than 45 countries that demonstrated outstanding creativity, strategic thinking, and execution. Shortlisted entries will advance to the Executive Jury sessions led by 2026 Jury President, Andrea Diquez, global CEO at GUT. The Executive Jury will meet in in-person sessions to determine the winning campaigns.

New category groups for 2026, launched to recognise emerging areas of creativity and innovation, attracted a strong and diverse range of entries from agencies, brands, PR firms, and production companies around the world.

Creative Marketing Strategy & Effectiveness category group, introduced this year, has had 21 entries advance to the trophy round, representing standout work from across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. This year’s shortlisted work underscores the increasing role of strategic partnerships, purpose-driven initiatives, data-informed decision-making, and innovative approaches to building lasting brand affinity and measurable impact.

Baked in New York, also introduced in 2026, recognises creative excellence led by New York-based agencies and production companies. The 18 shortlisted entries demonstrate how New York creative leaders continue to shape culture, drive innovation, and deliver impactful ideas on a local, national, and global scale.

Sports, a new category group for the 2026 competition, recognises creative excellence across the full spectrum of sports marketing and storytelling. 16 shortlisted entries, a dynamic range of ideas from across North America, Europe, and Asia, advanced to the trophy round.

Global brands advancing to the trophy round include The Coca-Cola Company, Mastercard, Dove, Red Bull, Porsche, Pepsi, Norwegian Cruise Line, KitKat, Absolut Vodka (Pernod Ricard), Progressive Insurance, Amazon, Verizon, McDonald’s, Kia Canada, Peugeot, Greenpeace, Hornbach, Levi’s, Penny, Lufthansa, Cathay, Lexus, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Twix, Toyota New Zealand, LUX, Samsung Galaxy, Airbnb, Netflix, DAANGN, PETA, Hellmann’s Mayonnaise (Unilever U.S.), KFC Thailand, HEINZ, TIME, FanDuel, Mike’s Amazing, Hyundai Motor America, Corona, Popeyes, Genesis Motor America, Mattel, Walmart, Fox Sports, White Claw, Wendy’s, and Ziploc (SC Johnson).

View the NYF Advertising Awards 2026 Shortlist.

The New York Festivals Advertising Awards will announce the 2026 award winners on Monday, June 15.

Find more information on the New York Festivals Advertising Awards here. 

The New York Festivals Advertising Awards receives entries from six continents and is judged by an international jury of more than 350 members, including the Executive Jury, Specialty Executive Juries, and Shortlist Jury.