Entries for the AdNews Agency of the Year Awards 2026 are now open.
The program spans 26 categories, alongside a Hall of Fame induction and the prestigious Grand Prix title awarded to a standout agency. Three new categories join the line-up, recognising the power of music, holdco agency brands and specialist agencies.
Best Use of Music, presented by ARIA, honours the strategic use of Australian music in a campaign, either through a licensed sound recording featuring an Australian artist or a partnership with an Australian act.
Holdco Agency of the Year celebrates a top-performing brand operating under a holding company, rewarding an individual agency within a wider group.
Specialist Agency of the Year recognises agencies working within a defined discipline — from retail media and content to performance, CX and search.
The judging panel will be solely comprised of senior marketers and CMOs from over 50 companies, spanning sectors such as FMCG, finance, retail, automotive, travel and telecommunications. These experts bring a wealth of experience and insight to the evaluation process with multiple judging rounds.
AdNews publisher Assia Benmedjdoub said she is thrilled to announce the launch of the latest award program.
"These awards are about celebrating the agencies and individuals who don't just keep pace with change — they set the pace. They push creative and strategic boundaries while delivering real, measurable impact. With a distinguished panel of senior marketers assessing the entries, the stage is set to dive into the work."
ACM MD Tony Kendall said his team is proud to rejoin the program as presenting partner.
“We’re excited to partner with the AdNews Agency of the Year Awards once again. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the very best in our field, and we look forward to recognising the great work driving our industry forward.
"While these awards shine a spotlight on excellence, it’s also an important moment to focus on the powerful connection between agencies and the 10 million Australians living in the regions. Supporting regional Australia isn't just about socially responsible marketing; it’s about recognising the vital economic and cultural heartbeat outside the metro areas.
"These awards highlight the impact agencies can have when they actively invest in regional communities, and we are thrilled to celebrate the partners who are helping brands authentically connect with this thriving audience.”
The Grand Prix Agency of The Year Award will be presented by ACM.
The eligibility period for entries is July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Entries must be received by midnight, September 24, 2026. The gala presentation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2027, at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Sydney.
AdNews would like to thank presenting partner ACM and supporting partners ARIA, Blis and Spotify.
The 2026 Categories are listed below:
A. Creative Agency of the Year
B. Media Agency of the Year
C. Independent Agency of the Year
D. Specialist Agency of the Year
E. Small Agency of the Year (Headcount under 25)
F. Digital Agency of the Year
G. PR Agency of the Year
H. Holdco Agency of the Year
I. Ad Campaign of the Year - Presented by Spotify
J. Media Campaign of the Year
K. Small Budget Media Campaign of the Year (Budget under $500,000)
L. Social Media Campaign of the Year
M. Regional Media Campaign of the Year - Presented by ACM
N. Best Influencer Campaign
O. Best Use of Data - Presented by Blis
P. Best Use of Content
Q. Best Use of Music - Presented by ARIA
R. Best Use of AI and Technology
S. Brand Partnership Award
T. Social Responsibility / Pro Bono Award
U. The Game Changer Award
V. The AdNews Effectiveness Award
W. Employer of the Year (Headcount over 75)
X. Employer of the Year (Headcount under 75)
Y. Marketing Team of the Year
Z. Sales Team of the Year
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