The New York Festivals Advertising Awards (NYFA) has announced its 2026 Shortlist Jury, bringing together a carefully curated panel of visionary industry leaders and award-winning creatives from across the globe.
This year’s jury comprises more than 300 senior executives drawn from six continents and 43 countries, reflecting the diversity and global reach of today’s creative landscape. The panel includes an influential mix of Chief Creative Officers, CEOs, Chief Strategy Officers, Managing Directors, founders, Executive Creative Directors, producers and other key decision-makers shaping the future of advertising.
The Shortlist Jury will play a pivotal role in this year’s competition, reviewing entries across newly introduced and expanded category groups for 2026. These include Executive Jury–judged categories such as Baked in New York and Creative Marketing Strategy/Effectiveness (including Sports), as well as broadened segments like Future Now, Design, Package & Product Design, and Creativity in Commerce. As the first stage of evaluation, the jury is responsible for selecting the work that progresses to the Speciality Executive Juries and final Executive Jury panels.
Commenting on the announcement, Scott Rose, President of New York Festivals, highlighted the importance of the panel’s role:
“NYF’s Shortlist Jury brings together an extraordinary group of global creative leaders whose experience, talent, and diverse perspectives are essential to the integrity of the competition. We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment and discernment. As the first line of evaluation, they play a pivotal role in shaping the work that moves forward, championing ideas that truly deliver impact and, as always, Show Us Something We Haven’t Seen.”
The jury will assess entries across NYFA’s wide range of categories, identifying the most innovative and impactful campaigns to advance to finalist status.
Final trophy winners will be determined by the 2026 Executive Jury, with judging sessions scheduled to take place in early June at the Crosby Hotel in New York City. Speciality Executive Juries will also convene to evaluate entries within their respective categories.
The official entry deadline for the 2026 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is set for April 23, 2026.