Mumbai’s ‘WhatsApp Baatan Hi Baatan Mein’ Campaign and Dentsu Creative Gurugram’s …
reative Industry by Yangzhou Nest Brand Experience Co. Ltd., Wuxi (Use of Music)BronzeKnock Turn for Yamaha by Dentsu East Japan, Tokyo (Digital Music)The Yangzhou Qiao Bei Musical Suite for Yangzhou Municipal Bureau of Creative Industry by Yangzhou Nest Brand Experience Co. Ltd., Wuxi (Digital Content)SilverCrime Notes for Faktur by FCB Korea, Seoul (Copywriting)Illegalism for Faktur by FCB Korea, Seoul (Direction)Reality Filter “Happiness” for Glico by Dentsu Inc., Tokyo (Original Music)GoldThe Yangzhou Qiao Bei Musical Suite for Yangzhou Municipal Bureau of Creative Industry by Yangzhou Nest Brand Experience Co. Ltd., Wuxi (Sound Design)Reality Filter “Happiness” for Glico by Dentsu Inc., Tokyo (Use of Music)GrandeIllegalism for Faktur by FCB Korea, Seoul (Copywriting)The Young LotusAjay mentioned that The Young Lotus was a particularly rewarding experience for the judges. “I will mention that this year’s Young Lotus was an absolute revelation. It was frankly requested by young creative folks in our industry to raise the game. We saw a wave of insight-led young work, some of which was genuinely touching and emotional in a way that senior work isn’t anymore. We gave 7 Golds, 7 Silvers, and 16 Bronzes which is an instant testament to the latent potential that lies within the millennial generation.”Grande for HumanityThe Grande for Humanity was even more special this year. “We had 2 Grande winners all showcasing the power of emotional storytelling. The Grande for Humanity started with the nearly universal appreciation of the broadcaster’s efforts to bring people closer together during difficult periods. The other contender beat the competition with its raw emotional power and point of difference sitting pretty clear and easy to pick out.”Special AwardsThe Special Awards that followed consisted of the INNOVA Lotus, Sustainable Lotus, and Lotus Roots categories. Ajay stated that “These special awards were particularly close to my heart. And the grand daddies of ‘’great work well-executed’’ is this pair of stupendous pieces that just sang praises to the sharp observer. They stand as testament to the ongoing creative power and total immersion in trying to understand the culture of the other that informed and infused their brands so thoroughly.”Overall, the conclusion of the ADFEST 2026 Lotus Awards ceremony was a grand celebration of creativity, diversity, and innovation in the advertising industry. With winners from various categories showcasing their unique and impactful work, it was clear that ADFEST continues to be a platform where talent, creativity, and inspiration converge to create groundbreaking and memorable advertising campaigns. The event provided a remarkable insight into the ever-evolving landscape of advertising in the APAC region, highlighting the power of creativity and the importance of pushing boundaries to create impactful and meaningful brand messages that resonate with audiences. The award winners left the ceremony inspired, motivated, and excited to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity in the industry.