Awards

The benchmark for creative bravery

For over 60 years, the D&AD Awards have set the standard for work that moves culture and challenges the creative industries to do better.

Judged by the best, a Pencil is a recognition, a career shifter, and a green-eyed provoking inspiration.

Whether you’re in-house, agency-side, or solo creator, it is proof you’ve made something that matters.

Key events

Unmissable dates

New Blood Festival

Date: 30 June, 1 July 2026
Info: Bringing industry and new creative talent face to face

New Blood winners on stage as colourful confetti drops down

New Blood Ceremony

Date: 30 June 2026
Info: New Blood Pencil levels revealed at the ceremony

Pencil winner on stage with ceremony host who is dressed in bright pink

D&AD Awards Ceremony

Date: 24 September 2026
Info: Black Pencils, Companies of the Year & top-ranking individuals revealed

New Blood Festival

Date: 30 June, 1 July 2026
Info: Bringing industry and new creative talent face to face

New Blood Ceremony

Date: 30 June 2026
Info: New Blood Pencil levels revealed at the ceremony

D&AD Awards Ceremony

Date: 24 September 2026
Info: Black Pencils, Companies of the Year & top-ranking individuals revealed

New Blood Festival

Date: 30 June, 1 July 2026
Info: Bringing industry and new creative talent face to face

New Blood Ceremony

Date: 30 June 2026
Info: New Blood Pencil levels revealed at the ceremony

D&AD Awards Ceremony

Date: 24 September 2026
Info: Black Pencils, Companies of the Year & top-ranking individuals revealed

Awards

The difference

Not for profit

Enter and support future generations. All our surplus is reinvested into education and development programmes such as Shift and New Blood.

Reassuringly difficult

We famously set the bar high, so that your award means something. We’re not mean, just unerringly focused on driving excellence.

Globally recognised

Entered by almost 90 countries, a win marks your position on the global stage.

Career defining

A Pencil earns you lasting respect from employers and your peers. It can help swing an interview, a pitch, and even the odd invite.

Creative connecting

Winners join the trusted D&AD community for support and advice, and to make work that pushes our craft forwards.

Not for profit

Enter and support future generations. All our surplus is reinvested into education and development programmes such as Shift and New Blood.

Reassuringly difficult

We famously set the bar high, so that your award means something. We’re not mean, just unerringly focused on driving excellence.

Globally recognised

Entered by almost 90 countries, a win marks your position on the global stage.

Career defining

A Pencil earns you lasting respect from employers and your peers. It can help swing an interview, a pitch, and even the odd invite.

Creative connecting

Winners join the trusted D&AD community for support and advice, and to make work that pushes our craft forwards.

Not for profit

Enter and support future generations. All our surplus is reinvested into education and development programmes such as Shift and New Blood.

Reassuringly difficult

We famously set the bar high, so that your award means something. We’re not mean, just unerringly focused on driving excellence.

Globally recognised

Entered by almost 90 countries, a win marks your position on the global stage.

Career defining

A Pencil earns you lasting respect from employers and your peers. It can help swing an interview, a pitch, and even the odd invite.

Creative connecting

Winners join the trusted D&AD community for support and advice, and to make work that pushes our craft forwards.

D&AD Awards 2026

Winners

View all

Awards

D&AD Awards

New Blood Awards – for students and starters

Unmissable dates

New Blood Festival

New Blood Ceremony

D&AD Awards Ceremony

New Blood Festival

New Blood Ceremony

D&AD Awards Ceremony

New Blood Festival

New Blood Ceremony

D&AD Awards Ceremony

The difference

Winners

Procrastination and inspiration