NYF Advertising Awards

04/02/2026

Where innovation meets New York edge.

The 2026 Baked in New York Executive Jury panel is here. New this year, Baked in New York, led by Jury Chair Omid Amidi (McKinney), celebrates bold work from New York–based teams, judged by leaders who understand what it takes to succeed in this market.

Official Deadline: 4.23.2026

03/31/2026

The future isn’t predicted here. It’s decided. Meet the NYFA 2026 Future Now Executive Jury, led by Colleen Shaw.

Bringing together leaders at the intersection of creativity, technology, and media, this jury will evaluate the work redefining how ideas are made, experienced, and scaled today.

From AI-driven storytelling to digital platforms, mobile experiences, and emerging tech, this panel will recognize the most forward-thinking work pushing the industry into its next chapter.

This isn’t about where things are going. It’s about what’s already happening.

Show us something we’ve never seen.

03/30/2026

The creative playbook is changing. And it’s being rewritten in the Middle East.

On March 24, New York Festivals Lady Liberty brought together a powerful group of leaders to discuss how creativity, technology, and cultural insight are reshaping the industry and the role women are playing in driving that change.

A sincere thank you to our panelists for sharing their perspective and leadership:

Rima Jammal, Head of Marketing for Obesity, Novo Nordisk
Eleni Kitra, CEO & Executive Director, Advertising Business Group
Christina Peyton, Founder, KLAR Consulting

Watch the full panel, link in bio.

03/26/2026

2026 Design Jury Announced!

Led by Emily Oberman, Partner at Pentagram, this elite jury brings together world-class design leaders shaping the visual language of today’s most influential brands.

From brand systems to packaging and product design, this distinguished panel will evaluate the year’s most compelling work, celebrating creative excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and design that connects, inspires, and endures.

03/26/2026

03/25/2026

The best creative isn’t trying to be creative. It’s finding the real answer to the real problem.

Pete Gosselin, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, CAPE

2025 NYF Advertising Executive Jury Member

03/24/2026

A global collective shaping what moves forward.

The 2026 New York Festivals Advertising Awards Shortlist Jury brings together 300+ leading creative voices across 43 countries and 6 continents.

As the first line of evaluation, this panel defines the work that matters identifying the ideas with the strength, relevance, and impact to advance to the Executive Jury.

These are the perspectives setting the benchmark for what rises.

View the full jury: newyorkfestivals.com

03/23/2026

ICYMI: The leaders shaping what comes next for women in creativity.

Introducing the inaugural Lady Liberty Leadership Advisory Board:
• Daniela Varela, Group Creative Director, Weber Shandwick — Lady Liberty Chair
• Damasia Merbilhaa, Global Head of Agency Partners, Omnicom Advertising
• Lenore Moritz, Founder, momentum, a leadership coaching firm for executives

This is the group defining how Lady Liberty evolves from a program into a platform for real career progression.

Launched in 2025, NYF’s Lady Liberty was created to elevate women in creativity with the visibility and recognition they deserve. Following a standout first year, the program is expanding with greater focus and intention.

03/19/2026

Meet the 2026 NYF Creative Marketing Strategy / Effectiveness Executive Jury.

The 2026 New York Festivals Advertising Awards unveils a world-class Creative Marketing Strategy / Effectiveness Executive Jury, led by Ellie Bamford, Chief Strategy Officer, North America at VML.

Eleven top global strategy leaders will evaluate the year’s most impactful campaigns, recognizing work that turns insight into advantage, creativity into impact, and ideas into measurable business results.

03/13/2026

The New York Festivals Lady Liberty Leadership Program exists for one reason: the creative industry cannot afford to keep losing brilliant female talent.

Following a successful launch year, NYF is introducing the Lady Liberty Advisory Board to help guide the program’s next chapter and strengthen the pipeline for women across the creative industry.

Lady Liberty is designed to support women at the career moments where the industry too often loses them:

• Emerging talent breaking into the industry
• Mid to senior level women stepping into leadership
• Women returning to the industry after maternity leave or layoffs

“The creative industry loses too much brilliant female talent simply because life happens. It’s time we fix that pipeline. These critical career transitions are often the loneliest. With Lady Liberty, we are making a promise: whether you are starting out, leading the room, or returning to the fold, you won’t have to navigate it alone. We have a platform, together with a friendly face, just for you. It’s an absolute honor to lead this charge.”

— Daniela Varela, Group Creative, NYF Lady Liberty Board Chair

Daniela Varela, Group Creative Director, Weber Shandwick

Damasia Merbilhàa, Global Head of Agency Partners, Omnicom Advertising

Lenore Moritz, Founder of momentum leadership coaching firm

03/12/2026

Meet the 2026 NYF Film Craft Executive Jury.

The 2026 New York Festivals Advertising Awards unveils a powerhouse Film
Craft Executive Jury, led by Will Dempster, Partner & Head of Production at

Ten visionary production and creative leaders from top film companies and
agencies will evaluate the most compelling work in direction, editing, cinematography, and craft, recognizing ideas that push boundaries and redefine storytelling.