The New York Festivals Health Awards, under this year’s theme, Rewarding Those Who See Health Differently, has announced its 2026 shortlist. “This year’s shortlist reflects the strength and growing global reach of healthcare and wellness creativity, with work represented from 14 countries. We’re seeing agencies and creative teams around the world bring fresh perspectives and powerful ideas to some of the most important conversations in health. We’re particularly encouraged by the response to our inaugural Human Lens: The Lived Experience category, which recognises the importance of bringing patient voices, caregiver experiences, and real human perspectives into healthcare communications. It’s an exciting addition to the Health Awards and a meaningful reflection of the role creativity can play in connecting with people,” stated Jennifer Vizina, executive director, NYF Health

The 2026 shortlisted entries were reviewed by the NYF Health Awards Shortlist Jury, made up of leading healthcare and pharmaceutical creatives from around the globe. Shortlisted entries are evaluated by two Executive Jury panels, one dedicated to Health & Wellness and the other to Pharma. The Health & Wellness Executive Jury will be led by chair, Rich Levy, CCO at Klick Health; and the Pharma Executive Jury by chair, Jason Graff, global CCO at VML Health. Winners for A Human Lens: The Lived Experience will be chosen by a Specialty Jury led by co-chairs, Jordan and Anna Rathkopf, co-founders of RATHKOPF, a patient and caregiver-led strategy and storytelling studio.

 With 278 entries from 14 countries advancing to the trophy round, this year’s shortlist reflects the broad spectrum of creativity and innovation shaping healthcare communications worldwide. The work, from integrated campaigns, film, audio, social media, and out-of-home to experiential activations, brand partnerships, AI-driven creativity, and innovative uses of technology, demonstrates how powerful ideas can engage audiences and advance meaningful conversations around health.

Another notable highlight is the strong international response to the inaugural Human Lens: The Lived Experience category, with more than 40 entries advancing to the shortlist. The category recognises work that brings patient stories, caregiver narratives, community voices, and lived experiences to the forefront.

Shortlist results by country:

United States: Agencies across the United States led this year’s shortlist, with OLIXIR New York earning the highest number of shortlisted entries. Digitas Health, The Bloc, Neon, VML, and Grey New York also posted strong showings. Additional agencies with work advancing to the trophy round include The Considered, Grey Health NY, Eversana Intouch, BeautifulBeast, Otherhood Agency, and Avalere Health.

Canada: For the second consecutive year, Klick Health Canada secured the second-highest number of shortlisted entries. Other Canadian agencies with work advancing to the trophy round include TANK Worldwide and Fuse Create.

South America: Argentina’s Mercado McCann earned multiple shortlist placements.

Europe: Ogilvy Health UK led the European agencies in shortlisted entries. Other UK agencies advancing to the trophy round include Havas Lynx, Matter, and BBH. Germany was represented by Remedy Edge Germany and St. Elmo’s Fire. Italy’s Accenture Song also advanced, while Spain’s SAMY and Manifesto each earned multiple shortlist placements.

Asia-Pacific and Middle East: The shortlist reflects work from across the region, with Singapore represented by TBWA Singapore and Leo Singapore, South Korea by Daehong Communications, Japan by TBWA/HAKUHODO, Australia by Showpony, and India by BrandCare Asia. KOLYSHEV C&D Israel also advanced to the trophy round.

Trophy-winning campaigns for the 2026 NYF Health Awards will be announced on November 17, 2026.

Find more information on the 2026 NYF Health competition here. View the NYF Health Awards 2026 Shortlist here.  Explore NYFHealth’s interview series, Health Pulse.