The Aaron Awards 2027: Celebrating AI Creativity in Advertising
The Aaron Awards, recognized as the first global awards dedicated entirely to AI creativity in the advertising sector, has begun accepting submissions for its 2027 edition. This year’s awards feature an enhanced category structure designed to mirror the accelerated expansion of commissioned AI projects within the industry.
After a successful inaugural event that garnered entries from 45 countries, the Aaron Awards returns with a renewed emphasis on the innovative application of AI in creating commercial campaigns for brands.
While speculative advertising took center stage in the first edition—most notably with the Best AI Spec Ad for Brand category drawing the most entries—organizers anticipate a notable transformation in submissions for 2027.
Vinne Schifferstein Vidal, co-founder of the Aaron Awards, commented, “Last year, speculative advertising dominated our entries, allowing artists the freedom to innovate without waiting for client briefs. However, the landscape has evolved dramatically since then. Major brands are commissioning AI-driven work more frequently, leading to sophisticated production processes and an increasing number of creatives integrating AI into their commercial efforts. We expect the 2027 entries to reflect this shift.”
Expanded Categories to Reflect Industry Maturity
To better capture the increasing variety of commercial AI work, the 2027 awards will introduce a more detailed category framework. New industry-specific categories will highlight AI creativity across various fields such as automotive, fashion, beauty, retail, and technology, among others.
These additions will complement the existing craft-driven and technical categories which recognize disciplines like hybrid production, real-time experiences, and workflows. The Spec Ad category will also make a return, continuing to celebrate independent experimentation and self-initiated projects.
Marie-Céline Merret Wirström, co-founder and curator of the Aaron Awards, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming year. “We are eager to witness even bolder creative ambitions this year. As generative AI becomes integral to everyday creative practices, there is a significant opportunity for risk-taking and novel idea exploration. Our expanded categories will provide a more accommodating platform to acknowledge diverse disciplines and the unique challenges they face,” she stated. “We look forward to seeing entries that surprise us and take brand storytelling to new heights.”
PJ Pereira, co-founder of Silverside AI and jury president of the Aaron Awards, remarked, “There exists a substantial difference between merely creating and producing something remarkable. The essence of the Aaron Awards lies in honoring the true artisans who are dedicated to elevating standards in AI advertising. These creatives are not merely waiting for technology to catch up; they employ it to advance their craft, and that is the caliber of work we aspire to recognize.”
Renowned Jury for the 2027 Edition
The 2027 edition will also see the addition of several distinguished figures to its international jury, including:
- PJ Pereira (Silverside AI)
- Theresa Ong (Meta)
- Charlotte Glennon (Colenso)
- Vix Jagger (Droga5)
- Kavan Cardoza (Phantom X)
- Maria Devereux (Accenture Song, Last Year’s Laureate)
- Caio Del Manto (Euphoria Creative) and more.
Returning judges include:
- Arlyn Panopio (Envato)
- Wesley ter Haar (Monks)
- Hugo Barbera (HumAIn)
- Simon Meyer (Promptr)
- Chrissie Cremers (AIgency AMS)
- Craig Elimeliah (Code and Theory)
- Gabe Michael (Elevenlabs)
- Rogier Vijverberg (Superheroes)
Together, this esteemed jury brings extensive experience across creative direction, advertising, AI filmmaking, and cutting-edge production technologies. Evaluations will consider creative excellence, originality, craftsmanship, and the significant use of AI, while also factoring in the strategic relevance and impact of commercial entries.
Partners returning for the awards program include Envato and Lighthouse AI Academy. Submissions are welcome from independent AI artists, creative studios, production firms, agencies, and in-house brand teams from around the globe.
In a bid to encourage participation, submissions made before January 15, 2027, will incur no fees. Entries will remain open until February 28, 2027, with winners to be announced at the global Aaron Awards show in mid-April 2027.
Discussion about this post