The American Advertising Federation (AAF) has officially opened entries for the 2025–26 American Advertising Awards, the largest creative competition in the United States.
The first tier of the three-tier competition, the local level, is now accepting submissions across 115 markets. Local winners advance to District competitions, and District winners move on to the National American Advertising Awards. Last year’s competition drew thousands of entries, with Best of Show going to Goodby Silverstein & Partners for its Cheetos campaign. In the Student Division, BYU AdLab took top honors with its work for Crayola.
“The mission of the American Advertising Awards is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising,” noted Steve Pacheco, AAF President and CEO. “Proceeds from entries help fund advocacy, education and consumer-awareness programs. In other words, win an ADDY, support the industry.”
Winners for the 2025–26 season will be revealed at the AAF ADMERICA National Gala in Austin, Texas, on Friday, May 29, 2026. Television personality and fashion designer Nina Parker will host the event.
Earlier this month, the AAF celebrated its 34th annual Most Inspiring Night in Advertising on Thursday, welcoming eight new inductees into the prestigious AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement. Nearly 500 members of the industry gathered at Pier Sixty to honor this year’s class, with content creator Eric Sedeño serving as host.
Supermodel, entrepreneur, and cultural powerhouse Ashley Graham was also recognized during the evening, receiving the AAF’s Special Cultural Force Award for her influence and advocacy across fashion, media, and body-positivity culture.
For complete entry details and to view past winners, visit americanadvertisingawards.com.
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