Chicago's Advertising Community Shines at the 2026 ADDYs

The 64th annual Chicago American Advertising Awards brought the city's creative community together for an unforgettable evening on May 14th at TAO Chicago, and it absolutely delivered. Record-breaking attendance set the tone for a night that celebrated the very best in advertising, from global powerhouses to scrappy independents, all under one roof.

A Historic First: Creative of the Year

One of the most talked-about moments of the night was the inaugural Creative of the Year award, presented to Robert Clifton Jr., Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Contender. With a portfolio spanning iconic brands like Nintendo, McDonald's, Walmart, Cadillac, and Kellogg's, Clifton's impact on Chicago's creative scene is undeniable. His speech centered on the importance of connectivity in the industry and served as a genuine rallying cry for everyone in the room. Chicago Advertising Federation President Mark Rowland said it best: Clifton exemplified "visionary creativity, meaningful leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and enduring impact."

19 Agencies. One City. Exceptional Work.

Awards were distributed across 19 agencies, proving that great creative work doesn't belong to any one type of shop. Highdive led the night with an impressive 21 awards (including 4 Gold), followed by strong showings from Mower, Leo Chicago, FCB Chicago, Edelman, and many others.

Why This Night Matters

Beyond the trophies and the venue, nights like this are why the Chicago advertising community is something to be proud of. The energy, the talent, and the shared commitment to craft were palpable. Whether you walked away with a Gold ADDY or simply walked away inspired, the 2026 awards were a reflection of what this city is capable of.

Missed the night? The full photo album is live now. And if you were there, share your favorite moments with #WonAnAddy.

2026 ADDYs Award Winners

Arc Worldwide

• Silver ADDY - Sales & Marketing - Point of Purchase Campaign, Kraft Heinz - Heinz Ketchup "Rise & Heinz"
• Silver ADDY - Online/Interactive - Mobile & Web-Based Apps, Colgate - "Uncap a Fresh Adventure"
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Augmented Reality, Colgate - "Uncap a Fresh Adventure"
• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform - Consumer Campaign-Regional/National, Kraft Heinz - Heinz Ketchup "Rise & Heinz"

BBDO Chicago

• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Copywriting, International Delight - We Hate Plain Coffee, Too

Betty

• Silver ADDY - Advertising/Media Industry Self-Promotion - Brand Elements, Betty Brand Refresh
• Silver ADDY - Advertising/Media Industry Self-Promotion - Single-Medium Campaign, Betty Brand Refresh

Contender

• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Single Spot - Any Length, Walmart - Spread the Love

dame creative

• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform - Integrated Brand Identity Campaign, Athletes Unlimited Softball - AUSL Talons Team Identity

Edelman

• Gold ADDY - Cross Platform - Consumer Campaign-Regional/National, General Mills - Progresso Soup Drops

FCB Chicago

• Gold ADDY, Best of Show - Film & Video - Animation, Special Effects or Motion Graphics, Rakish Entertainment - Caption with Intention
• Gold ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Art Direction, Rakish Entertainment - Caption with Intention

FINN Platforms

• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform - Consumer Campaign, DECKED's Dad Time Off
• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform - Consumer Campaign, Denny's Sticky Kicks
• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform - Online/Interactive Campaign, Denny's Sticky Kicks
• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform - Integrated Consumer Campaign-Regional/National, Borden Cheese Swatch

Havas Chicago

• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Still Photography, Citi Bank - Citi® / AAdvantage® See Adventure

Highdive

• Gold ADDY - Online/Interactive - Social Media Campaign, Mentos Re-Freshmaker
• Gold ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Music With/Without Lyrics, Mentos Re-Freshmaker
• Gold ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Television Advertising - Regional/National, KFC - OBSESSION | KFC
• Gold ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Cinematography, KFC - OBSESSION | KFC
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Television Advertising - Regional/National, State Farm "Batman vs. Bateman"
• Silver ADDY - Online/Interactive - Social Media Single Execution, Jeep - 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Reveal
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Television Advertising Campaign, State Farm / "Batman vs. Bateman"
• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform Consumer Campaign-Regional/National, State Farm / "Batman vs. Bateman"
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial, Jeep - 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Reveal
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Copywriting, Jeep - 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Reveal
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Cinema Advertising, Jeep - 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reveal
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Creative Element(s) Campaign, Jeep - Wild Thoughts: AI Meets the Wild
• Silver ADDY - Public Service Ambient Media, Chicago Voyagers - The Future Voyagers Exhibit
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Television Advertising Campaign, LAY'S® - The Little Farmer
• Silver ADDY - Branded Content & Entertainment For Online Film, Video & Sound, KFC - OBSESSION | KFC
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Video Editing, KFC - OBSESSION | KFC
• Silver ADDY - Online/Interactive - Games, Tools & Utilities, KFC - THE COLONEL'S SECRET | KFC
• Silver ADDY - Online/Interactive - Social Media, NHL - The Great 8
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Television Advertising, NHL - The Great 8
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial, NHL - The Great 8
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Sound Design, NHL - The Great 8

Kimberly-Clark

• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial, Kimberly-Clark - Huggies Little Movers - :60

Laughlin Constable

• Silver ADDY - Out-of-Home & Ambient Media Outdoor Board Campaign, Wildlife Conservation Society - Bronx Zoo World of Darkness
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Television Advertising, Fortune Brands Innovations - Master Lock "Difference"
• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform - Consumer Campaign, Barr Brands - Get Rid of the Daaamp with DampRid®
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Television Advertising, Barr Brands - Get Rid of the Daaamp with DampRid®

Leo Chicago

• Gold ADDY - Branded Content & Entertainment for Online/Interactive, Tillamook County Creamery Association - The Tillamook Meltdown Hotline
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial, Little Fighters: Savannah's Fight
• Silver ADDY - Online/Interactive - Social Media, Tillamook County Creamery Association - Butternaise
• Silver ADDY - Branded Content & Entertainment For Online Film, Video & Sound, Little Fighters: Savannah's Fight
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Video Editing, Little Fighters: Savannah's Fight
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Sound, Little Fighters: Savannah's Fight
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Cinematography, Little Fighters: Savannah's Fight
• Silver ADDY - Branded Content & Entertainment for Online/Interactive, Tillamook County Creamery Association - Butternaise

Mower

• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Television Advertising, Carhartt - The Next Responders
• Silver ADDY - Branded Content & Entertainment For Online Film, Video & Sound, Carhartt - The Next Responders
• Silver ADDY - Cross Platform - Integrated Advertising Campaigns, Carhartt - The Next Responders
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Video Editing, Carhartt - The Next Responders
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Cinematography, Carhartt - The Next Responders
• Silver ADDY - Advertising Industry Self-Promotion Ambient Media, Mower Mania
• Silver ADDY - Advertising Industry Self-Promotion Online/Interactive/Virtual Reality, Mower Mania
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial, Carhartt - The Next Responders
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial Campaign, Carhartt - The Next Responders

Schafer Condon Carter (SCC)

• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial Campaign, SOLO Cup Company - SOLO or Nothing

The Escape Pod

• Silver ADDY - Public Service Online Film, Video & Sound, Cologuard by Exact Sciences - Cologuard Get Low #2

Third Street

• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Creative Element(s) Campaign, Indiana University - Arts Analytics

Tom, Dick & Harry Creative Co.

• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Audio/Visual Sales Presentation, Spring-Fill Industries - Urn
• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial, Red Kap Workwear Outfitters - Furk 101

VSA Partners

• Silver ADDY - Film, Video, & Sound - Internet Commercial Campaign, McAfee - Keep It Real
• Silver ADDY - Elements of Advertising - Innovative Use of Interactive / Technology, McAfee - Keep It Real