Eurobest opens entries for 2026 awards

The 2026 Awards will place greater emphasis on work where data plays a central creative role

Eurobest has opened entries for its 2026 Awards, with changes to Creative Data, AI Craft and integrity requirements shaping the 39th edition of the European creative competition.

The 2026 Awards will place greater emphasis on work where data plays a central creative role, while introducing AI Craft sub-categories across several disciplines. Eurobest has also strengthened requirements around factual accuracy, evidence and authorisation for entered work.

Eurobest updates Creative Data categories

The Creative Data Award has been redefined to recognise work in which data is central to the creative idea rather than simply informing it. Updated categories include privacy-first personalisation and breakthrough media innovation, with entrants required to demonstrate how data contributed to both the creative idea and its business impact.

AI Craft sub-categories will recognise work combining human creativity and artificial intelligence to produce outcomes that could not have been created through previous methods alone. The sub-categories will feature across the Design, Digital Craft, Film Craft, Industry Craft and Creative Data Awards.

More categories added across Eurobest disciplines

Other changes include an IP and Brand Identity & Storytelling sub-category within the Design Eurobest Award, a Holistic Wellbeing & Mindful Living sub-category within Health & Wellness, and Use of Humour as a new medium in Healthcare.

Following the introduction of retail media sub-categories in the Media and Creative Commerce Eurobest Awards in 2025, retail media will also be included in the Creative Strategy and Creative Data Awards for 2026.

Eurobest strengthens integrity requirements

Eurobest has introduced additional integrity measures for entered work, building on the LIONS Integrity Standards announced in July 2025. Entrants will need to meet requirements covering factual accuracy, evidence and authorisation, supported by the LIONS Integrity Handbook.

Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, LIONS: "Eurobest has always reflected where European creativity is heading, and this year's updates are designed to ensure the Awards continue to recognise the work driving the industry forward. From stronger integrity standards to changes in Creative Data and the introduction of AI Craft, the Awards are responding to how creativity is evolving across Europe."

Eurobest Young Creatives Competition returns

The Eurobest Young Creatives Competition will return in 2026, giving emerging creative talent across Europe the opportunity to respond to a live brief and present their work to an expert Jury. Winners will be announced in December, with further registration details due in September.

Key dates include registration opening on 8 September, with the registration deadline set for 30 October. The live briefing will take place on 6 November at 2pm GMT, followed by the competition deadline on 9 November at 2pm GMT. Entries into the Eurobest Awards will be accepted until 15 October 2026.

Webinar to preview 2026 Awards

Eurobest will host an expert-led webinar on 9 September featuring past winners, Jury members and the LIONS team. The session will cover entry guidance, the 2026 Awards updates, a live Q&A and a preview of the Jury President line-up.

www.eurobest.com

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