ADFEST 2026: Finalists for Lotus Awards announced
ADFEST 2026 has unveiled its initial lineup of Lotus Awards finalists, encompassing a variety of categories including Commerce, Creative Strategy, Radio & Audio, Film, New Director, Media, Entertainment, and Design. This year’s festival, under the theme “Human+,” is scheduled to take place from Thursday, March 19, to Saturday, March 21 at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) in the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, situated in Pattaya, Thailand.
The list of finalists features Japan in the lead with an impressive 30 entries, closely followed by Thailand with 24, and South Korea with 10. Standout agency Dentsu Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, has bagged the highest number of entries across several categories, totaling 10 nominations:
Radio & Audio Lotus category includes “Voice of Food” entry for its innovative use of Audio or Voice Technology and its exceptional breakthrough in Radio & Audio. Under the Film Lotus category, Dentsu Inc. secured nominations for their work titled “No Labels.” In the Design Lotus category, the agency stands out with entries such as “Peaceful Weapon,” “Playful Stamina,” “Waves of Will Powered by NTT,” and others. Furthermore, in the Creative Strategy Lotus category, they have been recognized for their exemplary work on “Second Life Kura,” demonstrating a Long-Term Strategy.
The exciting range of shortlisted entries includes noteworthy projects such as:
Commerce Lotus:
– Channel Social & Influencer Commerce: Vaseline Verified and Save Me
– Sustainable Commerce: Save Me
– Experience & Engagement: Trust Bars and Drop Cart Draw
Creative Strategy Lotus:
– Products & Services: Ride the Buldak High and Lexus Gentlemen’s Club
– Corporate Image & Corporate Social Responsibility: Honda Rest Area and Come Back Home
– Collaboration & Partnership: Khao Mun Gai Association
Radio & Audio Lotus:
– Innovation: Praykinson and Hearing 1945
– Audio Craft: Knock Turn and The Yangzhou Qiao Bei Musical Suite
Film Lotus:
– Broadcast: Soil and Steadfast – Dirty Money
– Online Film: No Labels, It’s Dettol Time, and The Scent That Gives You the Scene
– Viral Film: Patient and Mother Strike
New Director Lotus:
– Short Film: Up to 10 minutes: Talk to Me 2025 and Kapal Kertas
Media Lotus:
– Products & Services: Middle Boss Hero and The Sponsored Truth
– Corporate Image & Corporate Social Responsibility: Toxic Backfire and Come Back Home
– Public Services & Cause Appeals: The Life-Saving Receipt
In the Media Lotus category, various entries showcase innovative uses of media platforms such as Print & Conventional Outdoor, Ambient, Guerrilla Marketing & Stunts, and Digital Platforms to convey compelling messages and enhance brand engagement. The creative executions in each of these categories highlight the industry’s diverse talents and fresh perspectives.
The buzzing atmosphere at ADFEST 2026 promises a celebration of creativity, innovation, and excellence in advertising and marketing. With a plethora of exceptional entries from leading agencies and creative minds across different regions, the event offers a platform to recognize outstanding work and inspire future trends in the industry. As the festival draws near, anticipation mounts for the unveiling of the winners who will triumph in their respective categories, setting new benchmarks for creativity and strategic thinking in the advertising world.