Complete List of Creative & Production Awards for 2026

Creative & Production Awards at a Glance for 2026

1. Ad Age Small Agency Awards
2. Ad Age A-List Creativity Awards
3. ADC Annual Awards 
4. AICP Awards
5. American Advertising Awards
6. Andy Awards
7. AVA Digital Awards
8. Cannes Lions Awards 
9. Clio Awards 
10. Creative Film Awards
11. Cresta Awards
12. D&AD Awards 2025
13. Digiday Awards 
14. Golden Trailer Awards 
15. Muse Creative Awards 
16. Shots Awards – The Americas 2025
17. Summit International Awards 
18. The Drums Awards 
19. The One Show 
20. WARC Creative 100

In the world of advertising and entertainment, receiving an award means more than a simple pat on the back or another accomplishment to add to your portfolio. Awards in the advertising and entertainment industries are the testament to creative success, innovation and showcases the ideal project example for other campaigns to aspire and follow for their own perfection. 

Creative and production awards recognize campaigns and projects that show true value for the excellence of visual arts and well crafted campaigns. And each year, there are new opportunities to be recognized for your productions and creative campaigns on both a national and global scale, by various industry accreditations.  Below, we’re unveiling the complete list of creative and production awards that celebrates the different craftsmanship among productions and advertising. 

Join us in the blog as we dive into the diverse range of awards within creative and production awards that highlights talent, and creativity that molds the world for producers within advertising and entertainment.

Why Awards Hold Significant Value for Producers and Advertisers

In the advertising and entertainment worlds, awards do not come by easily and therefore hold a lot of value and recognition for producers and advertisers alike. From adding recognition to your work to opening network and collaboration opportunities, there’s a multitude of reasons awards are significant for your growth.

1. Recognition and validation

   Awards for advertisers and producers help validate their hard work, creative direction and dedication put into producing their campaigns. Their final product further shapes the mold for what perfection looks like in the creative entertainment industry for other producers to learn from and follow.

2. Enhanced reputation

   Awards are a great way to get your name known throughout the advertising and entertainment communities that can enhance your reputation through increased credibility and trust for productions.

3. Competitive advantage

   Winning awards can give products a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Showcasing award-winning productions are perceived as superior by consumers that can increase the success rate for production campaigns.

4. Networking and collaboration

   Winning awards can also open doors to new networking and collaboration opportunities within the advertising and entertainment industries. 

5. Educational value

   Whether your creative or film project wins an award or not, you will get feedback during the submission process. The constructive criticism proves to be invaluable for many to improve their work as they move on to other projects.

Applying for Creative & Film Awards

IIf you are considering entering your project for an award for the first time, there are several steps and important things to know before you start applying to be considered. Here, we breakdown important steps to know when applying for a film award and insightful tips to make the process easier.

1. Research awards

   Awards in the advertising and entertainment worlds can focus on various aspects of the project so it becomes important to do your research for awards that are relevant to your film’s genre, theme and production scale.

2. Review eligibility

   Narrow down your list even further by carefully reviewing their eligibility criteria. Ensuring your campaign meets all the required criteria including release date, format, duration and other specific film requirements.

3. Prepare materials

   Once you have a solidified list of awards you wish to nominate for your film, the next step involves preparing your material for the application process. This includes having a copy of your project under their specific format, synopsis and a director’s statement and other materials required as outlined under the eligibility criteria.

   For creative awards, you might want to include storyboards, case films, case studies and client testimonials. Looping up with the media agency for performance metrics will also help add value to the performance of the campaign.

4. Complete application forms

   Ensure you complete all forms provided by the award organization. Don’t get disqualified and double check your forms information before submitting. This includes entering work, people or companies into the appropriate category.

5. Pay attention to deadlines

   Ensure you get your materials and application submitted on time, most awards will let you submit early applications as well. Some awards also have extended deadlines with added fees. Don’t miss the deadline as this could disqualify your project from being nominated.

6. Submit entry fee

   Most awards will require a submission fee and will vary based on if you are applying early, on time or for their extended deadlines.

7. Attend events

   Though not all awards you apply to will offer events, some may hold award ceremonies or events and it’s a great opportunity for producers to network and connect with other producers alike and discuss projects they are focusing on.

8. Be patient and positive

   Once you have submitted your project and application to be considered for an award, the next step is to be patient and wait for the results. Most award organizations will post a timeline for when and where to expect the winners to be announced.

Complete List of Creative & Production Awards for 2026

There are awards for every type of film, that vary based on genre, time length, special features, type of film, among other spectrums. Here, we’ve curated a list of the Creative and Production Awards for 2025.

AdAge Small Agency Awards honors the small, independent agencies that present excellence in creating effective work for clients, building a financially healthy business all the while building a rewarding environment for employees.

Categories

• Agency of the Year: Overall
• Agency of the Year: By Size 
• Agency of the Year: Regional
• Agency of the Year: International
• Data & Insights Agency of the Year
• Design Agency of the Year
• Experiential Agency of the Year
• Media Agency of the Year
• Newcomer Agency of the Year
• PR Agency of the Year
• Purpose Agency of the Year
• Best Use of AI
• Campaign of the Year: B2B
• Campaign of the Year: Experiential
• Campaign of the Year: Health Care
• Campaign of the Year: Integrated
• Campaign of the Year: Media
• Campaign of the Year: Pro Bono
• Best Agency Culture
• Executive of the Year
• Account Manager of the Year
• Agency Producer of the Year
• Creative of the Year
• Media Planner of the Year
• Strategic Planner of the Year

Deadline: Deadlines closed for 2025

Pricing Entries: Entry fees starting at $325 per entry.

Ad Age A-List Creativity Awards recognizes the best agencies in advertising in their annual awards. This award recognizes the people, work and companies who work on these campaigns. 

Categories

• Agency of the Year and A-List
• Production Company of the Year and A-List
• Agency Executive of the Year 
• Agency Network of the Year (Global) 
• Agency Network of the Year (U.S.)
• Agency Network of the Year
• B2B Agency of the Year (NEW)
• Best Agency Culture 
• Business Transformation Agency of the Year 
• Creative Agency of the Year
• Data & Insights Agency of the Year 
• Design & Branding Agency of the Year 
• Experiential Agency of the Year 
• Health Care Agency of the Year 
• In-House Agency of the Year
• Independent Agency of the Year
• Independent Agency of the Year
• Independent Agency Network of the Year (NEW)
• International Agency of the Year
• Media Agency of the Year
• Multicultural Agency of the Year
• Newcomer Agency of the Year 
• Performance Marketing Agency of the Year
• Performance Marketing Agency of the Year
• Purpose-Led Agency of the Year
• Social Media/Influencer Agency of the Year
• Sports / Entertainment Agency of the Year (NEW)

Deadline: Deadlines closes November 4th.

Pricing Entries: Entry fee starts at $575 per category.

ADC Annual Awards, an organization honoring creative excellence in design and craft, celebrates its 103rd anniversary this year. The awards recognize the finest creative talents and groundbreaking works across various categories such as advertising, digital media, graphic design, and publication design.

Categories

• Advertising
• Architecture / Interior / Environmental Design 
• Artificial Intelligence
• Book Design
• Brand / Communication Design 
• Brand-Side / In-House
• Design for Good
• Experiential Design 
• Fusion Cube
• Gaming
• Illustration
• Interactive
• Magazine / Newspaper Design
• Motion / Film Craft 
• Packaging Design 
• Pharma / Health / Wellness
• Photography 
• Product Design 
• Typography / Lettering

Deadline: Deadline closes February 6th, 2026

Pricing Entries: Entry fees starts at $100 per category 

 The AICP Awards showcases the finest work in the commercial production industry, recognizing the creative forces as artistic and technical innovators in the industry.

Categories

• AICP Show, The Art & Technique of the Commercial
• AICP Next Awards
• AICP Post Awards
• AICP Awards Shortlists

Deadline: Deadlines closed for 2025

The largest national competition among the advertising industry, American Advertising Awards honors the creative excellence in the art of advertising. 

Categories

• Sales & Marketing 
• Print Advertising 
• Out-of-home & Ambient Media
• Online/Interactive
• Film, Video, & Sound
• Cross Platform
• Elements of Advertising 

Deadline: Deadlines closed for 2025

The Andy Awards is an international competition that celebrates creativity and innovation in advertising. These awards recognize outstanding work across media, TV, digital, print and experiential marketing. 

Categories

• The Grand Andy 
• Richard T. O’Reilly Award 
• RESET/Innovation 
• BRAVERY Award 
• Best of Region
• Network of the Year
• Holding Company of the Year 
• Production Company of the Year
• Best New Agency 
• Best in House
• Best In Show in RESET 
• Best In Show in CRAFT

Deadline: Deadlines closed for 2025

AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes excellence in digital creativity and effectiveness in marketing, communication and production. 

Categories

• Digital Marketing 
• Web 
• TV
• Video
• Audio
• Communication and Electronic
• Social
• Interactive Media

Deadline: Deadline closes December 12th, 2025

Pricing Entries: Entry fee starting at $125 per category.

In the realm of advertising and marketing, the Cannes Lions Awards is the pinnacle of creative excellence. They recognize groundbreaking campaigns, ideas and talents that redefine creativity in the entertainment world. 

Categories

• Audio & Radio
• Brand Experience & Activation
• Creative B2B 
• Creative Business Transformation
• Creative Commerce 
• Creative Data
• Creative Effectiveness 
• Creative Strategy
• Design
• Entertainment 
• Entertainment for Gaming
• Entertainment for Music
• Entertainment for Sport
• Film
• Film Craft
• Health & Wellness
• Industry Craft
• Innovation
• Luxury
• Media 
• Outdoor
• PR
• Print & Publishing
• Social & Creator 
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Titanium

Deadline: Final deadline April 10th, 2025

The Clio Awards honor outstanding achievements in advertising that advance the industry’s creative excellence. This award facilitates meaningful collaborations, fostering a competitive environment for innovative ideas and driving the industry’s growth

Categories

• Audio
• Audio Craft
• Branded Entertainment & Content
• Creative Business Transformation
• Creative Commerce
• Creative Effectiveness
• Creative Strategy
• Creative Use of Data
• Design 
• Design Craft 
• Digital/Mobile
• Digital/Mobile & Social Media Craft
• Direct 
• Experience/Activation
• Fashion & Beauty 
• Film
• Film Craft 
• Innovation
• Integrated
• Media
• Out of Home
• Partnerships & Collaborations
• Print
• Print & Out of Home Craft 
• Public Relations 
• Social Media
• Use of Influencers

Deadline: Deadline closes February 6th, 2026

Pricing Entries: Entry fees starting at $525.00

Dedicated to recognizing creative excellence, the Creative Film Awards is an IMDb-qualified festival honoring innovative commercials, captivating short films, visually stunning music videos, and inspiring fashion films.

Categories

• Best Short Film
• Best Music Video
• Best Commercial
• Best Fashion Film
• Best Animation
• Best Director
• Best Production
• Best Cinematography
• Best Performance
• Best Art Direction / Production Design
• Best Music
• Best Costume Design 
• Best Make-Up & Hairstyle
• Best Editing 
• Best VFx 
• Best Color
• Best Student Work

Deadline: Deadline is May 31st, 2026

Pricing Entries: Entry fees start at $17.50

The Cresta Awards stands as one of the most prestigious awards in the realm of advertising and creative communications. Their awards recognize the ingenuity and impact of outstanding creative work from around the globe. 

Categories

• Advertising 
• Digital
• Design 
• Brand Content
• Experiential 
• Ambient 
• Direct
• Social
• Technology

Deadline: Entries close July 22nd, 2025.

Pricing Entries: Entry fees starting at $360.

The D&AD Awards has celebrated for decades the creativity, excellence and innovation in the design and advertising industry. This year they continue to inspire and elevate the industry by recognizing groundbreaking ideas that push the boundaries of creative expression. 

Categories

• Advertising
• Branding
• Craft
• Design 
• Engagement
• Entertainment 
• Health
• Impact 

Deadline: Entries close November, 2025

The Digiday Awards celebrate those companies, campaigns, and creatives within the industry that are redefining and revolutionizing the media and marketing landscape through modernization and innovation.

Categories

• Founder of the Year (NEW)
• Technology Executive of the Year (NEW)
• Best Use of Emerging Tech (NEW)
• Campaign of the Year (NEW)
• Best Use of Retail Media
• Most Committed to Sustainability 
• Agency Executive of the Year 
• Best Event
• Agency Executive of the Year
• Best Event
• Marketing Executive of the Year
• Best Audio Campaign  
• Best Creative 
• Best Collaboration
• Best Use of Social
• Best Branding Campaign B2B 
• Best Branding Campaign B2C 
• Best E-Commerce Strategy
• Best Experiential Campaign 
• Best In-Game Advertising Strategy 
• Best Multi-Platform Campaign 
• Best Partnership
• Best Search Campaign 
• Best Use of AI
• Best Use of Influencer Marketing 
• Best Use of Video
• Leader of the Year
• Most Innovative Agency 
• Most Innovative Brand
• Most Innovative Publisher
• Most Innovative Technology Platform 
• Best Gaming/Esports Campaign 
• Best PR Campaign 
• Best Product Launch Campaign

Deadline: Deadline closed for 2025 

The Golden Trailer Awards recognizes excellence in feature film trailers, teaser and movie marketing. They spotlight work that showcases new and innovative, experiential concepts that pushes the entertainment industry forward.

Categories

• Feature Film Trailers 
• Foreign Feature Film
• TV Spots for Feature Films
• Trailers & Teasers (For TV / Streaming Series)
• TV Spots (For TV / Streaming Series)
• Digital / Home Entertainment Categories
• Posters (For Feature Films)
• Posters (TV / Streaming Series)
• Innovative Advertising Categories (Feature Films)
• Innovative Advertising Categories (Streaming Series)
• Video Game Categories
• Radio Spot

Deadline: Deadline closed for 2025

Pricing Entries: Entry fees start at $375 per category.

Muse Creative Awards is organized by the global organization International Awards Associate (IAA) to recognize the brilliance and excellence of creative performances worldwide since 2015. 

Categories

• Advertising 
• App
• Audio 
• Best Agency
• Branded Content
• Corporate Identity
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Event
• Experiential and Immersive
• Integrated Marketing
• Marketing & Promotional
• Outdoor Advertising 
• Publication
• Social Media
• Strategic Program
• Typography
• Video 
• Website

Deadline: Deadline closed for 2025

Pricing Entries: Entry fees starting at $190.00.

The Shots Awards celebrates innovation and the mastery of storytelling, recognizing the brightest minds with the boldest ideas that shape the future of marketing and communications. 

Categories

• Director of the Year
• VFX Company of the Year
• Agency of the Year
• Editing House
• Editor of the Year
• Production Co of the Year
• Audio Company of the Year 

Deadline: Deadline closed for 2025

Summit International Awards recognizes exceptional creativity across different media platforms. They honor people and companies that continue to push boundaries that inspire professionals in the entertainment industry. 

Categories

• Marketing Effectiveness Award 
• Marketing Effectiveness Award 
• Emerging Media Award

Deadline:

• Summit Creative Award – deadline closed
• Marketing Effectiveness Award – deadline closes in October 22nd, 2025
• Emerging Media Award – deadline closes in December 10th, 2025

The Drum Awards celebrates the best work, companies and people within the marketing and media world recognizing creativity and strategic genius across every sector and channel. 

Categories

• Advertising
• B2B 
• Content 
• Design 
• Digital Experience 
• Experiential 
• Media
• PR
• Social 
• Social Purpose
• Agency Business 

Deadline: Deadline ends March 4th, 2025

The One Show celebrates more than 50 years showcasing the best in advertising and design. 

Categories

• Brand-side / In-house
• Branded Entertainment
• Creative Effectiveness
• Creative Use of Artificial Intelligence
• Creative Use of Data
• Creative Use of Technology
• Cultural Driver
• Design
• Direct Marketing
• Experiential & Immersive
• Film & Video
• Gaming
• Health & Wellness
• Integrated / Omnichannel
• Interactive, Online & Mobile
• IP & Product Design
• Moving Image Craft & Production
• Music & Sound Craft
• Out of Home
• Pharma
• Print & Promotional
• Public Relations
• Radio & Audio First
• Social Media

Deadline: Deadline closes January 23rd, 2026

Pricing Entries: Entry fee starts at $550.00

The WARC Creative 100 recognizes strategic brilliance and effective impact across different regions of the  world including: Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa and North America. 

Categories

• Brand purpose
• Business-to-Business
• Channel Integration
• Channel Pioneer
• Cultural Impact
• Customer Experience
• Instant Impact
• Long-term Growth
• Partnerships & Sponsorships
• Path to Purchase
• Strategic Thinking
• Use of Data

Deadlines: Deadline closed for 2025 

Conclusion: Empowering Innovation Through Third Party Production Services

In conclusion, seizing the opportunity to participate in these awards offers a platform to spotlight your work within the entertainment sphere. It also contributes to enriching the creative landscape by fostering an environment of learning and innovation. It then becomes crucial for producers and advertisers to prioritize their creative endeavors while assigning back office responsibilities to capable hands.

CMS Productions stands as a trusted third party signatory to the SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract and facilitates back office production support functions. Leveraging our expertise can be instrumental in ensuring a smooth execution to your upcoming productions. 

Contact us today to set up a call on how we can assist you on your next project.