Advertising Council Australia has revealed a record 148 finalists for the 2026 Australian Effie Awards.
They represent 48 agencies and 63 clients, with Clemenger BBDO leading the pack with 15 nominations, followed by Special Australia (12), and BMF and Saatchi & Saatchi, with 10 each.
The Australian Effie Awards span 30 categories and are judged by more than 300 senior marketers, agency leaders, consultants and researchers.
Finalists now progress to the second and final round of judging, competing for Australia's most prestigious award recognising proven marketing effectiveness.
"This year's finalists demonstrate that the standard of marketing effectiveness in Australia continues to rise,” said chair of judges Colin Wilson-Brown.
“The strongest entries combined outstanding results with strategic rigour, commercial credibility and compelling evidence.
"Round Two judging puts every entry under even greater scrutiny, with CMOs and consultants evaluating the commercial rigour, strategic thinking and proven business impact behind each campaign.”
Gold, Silver and Bronze Effie winners will be announced on Friday, October 9, at the Australian Effie Awards gala at Hyatt Regency Sydney.
The Australian Effie Awards are jointly presented by Advertising Council Australia and the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) in association with Google. Sponsors and supporters include Meta, LinkedIn, Ideally, Outdoor Media Association, Tracksuit, Ad Standards and UnLtd.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.