What's new

Keys changes to our D&AD Awards calendar can be found below. Expand for detail.

As the creative industry evolves, so must the rules to safeguard fairness, originality, and trust. For 2026, we’re introducing enhanced measures to ensure the credibility of every entry:

• Entry validation
  Each entry must be accompanied by an Entry Validation Card, signed by a senior representative of the submitting agency, company, or freelance lead. The Entry Validation Card serves as a Code of Conduct declaration, confirming that all information and claims are accurate and verifiable.
• Use of AI
  Entrants must now provide a structured disclosure of any AI involvement at the point of entry across all categories. The Use of AI disclosure is now extended beyond the creative process and output to include all submission materials, including case films and supporting documentation.

Please see our Integrity Policy and 2026 Terms & Conditions for more information.

The 2026 Awards introduce three new categories that reflect emerging areas of creative practice and audience engagement:

• Cultural Influence — this new category recognises commercial creativity that leaves a cultural footprint; work that sparks conversations, shapes identity, or embeds itself into cultural life.
• This update goes hand in hand with the removal of Integrated as a standalone category to make space for a new one that better reflects the current industry landscape. Integrated will remain as a subcategory across 15 other categories, ensuring that this work continues to be recognised.
• Brand Transformation — an important introduction to recognise the strategy that transforms a brand identity and experience to deliver measurable results, create value, and drive business and cultural impact.
• Sports Entertainment — celebrating creativity within the world of sport; from campaigns and sponsorships to branded content and fan experiences - where storytelling connects teams, brands, and audiences.This category will be judged by the Entertainment Jury.
• Use of AI & Technology — you’ll find these subcategories across all categories in 2026, without exception. This ensures that work using emerging tools is judged in context, alongside comparable creative and craft standards within its field.

You can explore the full list of categories and subcategories here.