MAD STARS 2026 Opens Entries with New Evaluation Standards

The global advertising and marketing awards program introduces a revised category structure, updated AI disclosure standards, and a stronger focus on measurable impact and health communication.

MAD STARS 2026 has officially opened entries, unveiling a revised framework designed to better reflect how creative work is increasingly evaluated across today’s marketing and communications landscape.

Now in its 19th edition, the global awards platform is inviting submissions from agencies, brands, media, digital, PR, and creative professionals worldwide. Entries are open through 15 June 2026 via the festival’s official website.

Unlike traditional award programs structured primarily around media formats or execution channels, MAD STARS 2026 introduces a category system that places stronger emphasis on how creativity solves problems and creates meaningful impact.

A Shift Toward Effectiveness and Positive Impact

For 2026, MAD STARS has restructured its award system into two major groups: SOLUTION and POSITIVE IMPACT.

The SOLUTION Group consolidates categories previously associated with strategy and entertainment, focusing on how effectively ideas are translated into execution to address business, brand, and communication challenges.

Meanwhile, the POSITIVE IMPACT Group evaluates work through the lens of relevance, responsibility, and long-term societal value. The group includes categories such as SDGs Stars, Diverse Insights Stars, Place Brand Stars, alongside the newly introduced Health Stars.

The revised framework reflects broader industry changes, where creative work is increasingly expected to deliver both commercial effectiveness and measurable social relevance.

New Standards for AI-Enabled Creativity

Among the notable updates for 2026 is a revised approach to evaluating AI-assisted creative work.

MAD STARS has introduced a new “Use of AI” sub-category within the Craft section, recognizing the growing role artificial intelligence plays in creative production while maintaining distinctions between concept development, execution, and authorship.

To ensure transparency during judging, entrants will be required to disclose whether AI technologies were used during production and clarify the extent of their involvement where relevant. Supporting materials may also be requested as part of the verification process.

The update comes at a time when creative industries continue to redefine standards around authorship, originality, and responsible technology adoption.

Introducing Health Stars

Another addition for 2026 is Health Stars, a category designed to recognize work in the health and wellness sector.

The category will assess campaigns and communications based on sector expertise, ethical standards, and execution quality—reflecting the growing importance of health-related communication and public trust in an increasingly complex media environment.

A Global Jury of Industry Leaders

Judging for MAD STARS 2026 will involve more than 350 professionals across marketing, advertising, media, digital, and PR sectors, representing a broad cross-section of global industry expertise.

The evaluation process will include one preliminary judging round followed by three final rounds. Two of the final rounds will take place in person in Busan, South Korea, with approximately 40 on-site final jurors participating.

MAD STARS has also announced the first members of its Executive Jury, including Raja Rajamannar, former Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Mastercard; Aurora Straton, Creative Lead at Google; and Tara McKenty, Chief Creative Officer of AKQA Australia & New Zealand.

Key Dates for MAD STARS 2026

• Early Bird Deadline: 8 May 2026

• Regular Deadline: 29 May 2026

• Final Deadline: 15 June 2026

• Finalists Announcement: July 2026

• Festival Dates: 26–28 August 2026

MAD STARS 2026 will take place in Busan, South Korea, under the industry’s continued focus on ideas that combine creative excellence with real-world effectiveness and long-term impact.

Further information and entry details are available at www.madstars.org.