[News]

The first tier (local) of the three-tiered competition is now open with 115 markets accepting entries.  Winners from these local market competitions then advance to compete on the District Level, with those winners forwarded to the national stage. Last year’s three-tiered competition drew thousands of entries competing for a coveted ADDY Award, with Best of Show presented to Goodby Silverstein & Partners for its work for Cheetos.  Collegians also got to compete in the Student Division. A campaign from BYU AdLab for Crayola was last year’s Best of Show Student winner.

“The mission of the American Advertising Awards is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising,” said Steve Pacheco, President & CEO, AAF, adding, “Proceeds for entries are used to enhance advertising through programs such as public service internships, advocacy groups, advertising education and consumer awareness.  In other words, win/win:  win an ADDY, help the industry.”

The 2025-2026 American Advertising Awards winners will be announced at the National Gala in Austin, TX on Friday, May 29, 2026. The event will be hosted by television personality and fashion designer Nina Parker.

To learn more about how to enter as well as view past winning entries, go to americanadvertisingawards.com.

Established in 1905, the American Advertising Federation (AAF), acts as the “Unifying Voice for Advertising.” Its membership is comprised of more than 60 corporate members made up of the nation’s leading advertisers, agencies, and media companies; a national network of 150+ local clubs representing 35,000 advertising professionals; and 140+ college chapters with 4,000 student members. The AAF operates a host of programs and initiatives, including Advertising Day on the Hill, the Advertising Hall of Fame, the Advertising Hall of Achievement, the American Advertising Awards, and the National Student Advertising Competition.