FAQs

General

What are the ADS Awards?

The ADS Awards celebrate advertising that is creatively exceptional, ethically responsible, and culturally relevant.

Created by Farmani Group, producers of internationally respected awards since 1985, ADS honors work that sets a higher standard for the advertising industry.

Who can enter the ADS Awards?

Advertising agencies and studios
In-house brand teams
Independent creators and freelancers
Production companies
Students and emerging talent

All entries are judged equally, regardless of size or budget.

What kind of work is eligible?

Be real and publicly released
Have launched between January 1 and December 31 of the award year
Have proper client approval and rights clearance
Comply with ethical, legal, and advertising standards

Judging

How are entries judged?

Entries are evaluated using a transparent, three-pillar system:

Creativity & Idea (40%)
Craft & Execution (40%)
Effectiveness (optional) (20%)
Category Fit
Ethics & Responsibility

Judges score independently and must declare any conflicts of interest.

Who are the judges?

Judges are selected from a global pool of respected creative leaders, strategists, brand professionals, and cultural voices. Jury members are curated by ADS and overseen by the ADS Council.

Can judging decisions be appealed?

No. All jury decisions are final and binding.

Categories & Submissions

How many categories can I enter?

You may enter the same project into multiple categories, as long as it genuinely fits each category description. Separate entry fees apply.

Can I submit work from previous years?

No. Only work released during the official eligibility period (January 1 – December 31) is eligible.

Is speculative or fake work allowed?

No. Speculative or fabricated work is not permitted, except where clearly identified in Student or Emerging Talent categories.

Do I need client approval?

Yes. All client-based work must include a signed ADS Client Approval Form, confirming:

Permission to submit
Accuracy of information
Approval of any results or claims

Ethics & AI

Does ADS allow the use of AI?

Yes — but AI use must be disclosed. Entrants are required to explain:

What AI tools were used
At which stage
How human creative control was maintained

Undisclosed AI use may result in disqualification.

What ethical standards does ADS apply?

Work must not include:

Harmful stereotypes or discrimination
Misleading or false claims
Unauthorized or unlicensed assets
Violations of privacy or data laws

ADS reserves the right to disqualify entries that violate ethical standards.

Fees & Payment

How much does it cost to enter?

Entry fees vary by entrant type:

Small Agency / Boutique Studio: USD 180
Medium Agency: USD 300
Large Agency / Network: USD 450
Independent Creators: USD 150
Students & Emerging Talent: USD 60

All entries are judged equally, regardless of entry fee.

Are discounts available?

Yes:

10% discount for 3–5 entries
15% discount for 6 or more entries
30% discount for eligible NGO / non-profit campaigns

Are entry fees refundable?

No. Entry fees are non-refundable, except in cases of administrative error by ADS Awards.

Timeline

What is the awards timeline?

Eligibility Period: January 1 – December 31
Final Submission Deadline: January 30
Judging: February 1 – March 1
Winners Announced: March 15

Recognition

What do winners receive?

The ADS Trophy
Official certificates
Inclusion in the Winners Showcase
Global promotion through ADS channels

Shortlisted entries also receive official recognition.

Can winners promote their award?

Yes. Winners and finalists are encouraged to promote their recognition using official ADS Awards branding.

Technical & Support

In what language should entries be submitted?

All written materials must be in English. Videos may include subtitles.

Who do I contact for help?

For questions related to submissions, eligibility, or payments: support@adsawards.org

Pages

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Proudly powered by WordPress