Art Directors Club of Europe Announces Finalists for the 35th ADCE Awards

Nov. 04, 2026

The Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE) has announced the finalists for the 35th ADCE Awards, recognising outstanding design and advertising work from across Europe.

This year's selection of 304 finalists includes projects from 23 countries, showcasing the talent, diversity and innovation shaping Europe's creative industry.  An international jury of over 60 leading professionals from 25 countries met online in October to evaluate 801 entries submitted from 29 countries.

Germany leads the way with 54 finalists, followed by Austria (46), Spain (30), Georgia (29), Slovakia (23), Portugal (15), Switzerland (15), and Italy and Lithuania (14 each).

The full list of finalists is available here.

The final judging sessions will take place in Barcelona on November 17-18, 2026, when jurors will deliberate to determine the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, alongside the Special Awards and the prestigious Grand Prix.

The winners will be officially revealed on November 20, 2026, at the ADCE Awards Gala Ceremony, the highlight of ADCE Creative Week. Taking place over four days in Barcelona, the festival will bring together Europe's creative community to exchange perspectives, build connections and explore this year's theme: Relationships before Ideas.

For the first time in the history of the ADCE Awards, all projects submitted this year to participating local competitions were eligible to enter the European competition, without having to win an award at national level. This change has opened the door to a wider range of creative work, giving more professionals the opportunity to gain international recognition and have their projects evaluated by a distinguished European jury.

Introducing the Client of the Year Award

Another new addition to the 35th edition is the introduction of the Client of the Year Award. Building on the launch of the Creativity by Industry Sectors discipline, ADCE is extending its recognition beyond the creative professionals behind outstanding work to celebrate the clients who actively invest in, support and believe in creativity.

The inaugural award will be determined by the performance of client projects across this year's competition, recognising the client whose work receives the highest overall recognition in the ADCE Awards.

Following its success last year, the final round of judging will once again be open to the public, offering attendees the opportunity to witness first-hand the discussions, debates and insights of some of Europe's leading creative professionals. Tickets are available as part of ADCE Creative Week.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Alongside the Gold, Silver and Bronze distinctions, the ADCE Awards feature four Special Awards celebrating projects that reflect the values and spirit of Europe:

• European Star – Honouring work that embodies core European values such as democracy, freedom, justice and peace.
• Genius Loci – Celebrating creativity that captures the essence and cultural heritage of a specific place.
• Green Star – Recognising projects that advance sustainability, the circular economy and environmental protection.
• Equal Star – Rewarding creativity that challenges discrimination and promotes inclusivity.

The 35th ADCE Awards in Numbers

• 801 entries from 29 countries
• 304 finalist projects from 23 countries
• Over 60 jurors representing 25 countries
• 7 competition disciplines: Film & Audio (37), Print & Outdoor (34), Interactive & Mobile (46), Design (68), Brand Development & Experience (45), Integrated & Innovation (36), and Creativity by Industry Sectors (38)
• 4 Special Awards, 1 Client of the Year Award and 1 Grand Prix to be announced

ADCE Creative Week 2026

ADCE Creative Week is the annual creative festival organised by the Art Directors Club of Europe, inspired by the model of New York's Creative Week by The One Club for Creativity. Taking place at DHub Barcelona from November 17-20, the event will feature four days of programming bringing together creative professionals, industry leaders, students and the wider European creative community.

Highlights include:

• Creative Leaders Summit – Bringing together 16 leading figures from the creative and business worlds across 13 sessions, including Sir John Hegarty and Juliana Paracencio. Over two days, speakers will share their experiences, perspectives and stories, exploring the relationships behind great creative work.
• AI Creative Challenge – Part of a global creative championship, giving the local winner the opportunity to travel to New York and compete in the international final.
• Portfolio Review – Connecting up to 60 students with leading European agencies and studios for portfolio feedback and professional insights.
• Two Awards Galas – Celebrating the achievements of emerging talent at the ADCE Student Awards Gala and recognising the best professional work at the ADCE Awards Gala.

Alongside these events, the programme will feature further opportunities for learning, exchange and networking across the creative industry.

The week will culminate in the ADCE Awards Gala and Closing Party on November 20, when the winners of the 35th edition will be announced, bringing four days of celebration of European creativity and design to a close.