The One Show 2026: A Showcase of APAC's Creative Excellence
The One Show 2026, a prestigious international design and advertising awards, has once again highlighted the exceptional talent in the Asia-Pacific region. With a record-breaking 204 finalists from across the APAC region, the competition showcased the creativity and innovation that is shaping the advertising landscape.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the diverse range of agencies and countries represented. From Japan to New Zealand, the finalists demonstrate the region's ability to produce impactful and memorable campaigns across various industries.
One of the standout performers was Ogilvy Singapore, tied with VML Sydney for the top spot with 13 finalists. Ogilvy's work for Vaseline's 'Vaseline Verified' campaign, which leverages social media influencers, showcases their expertise in integrating technology and creativity. VML Sydney's 'The Hidden Eye Test' for 1001 Optometry, on the other hand, highlights their ability to create impactful health awareness campaigns.
Dentsu Inc. Tokyo followed closely behind with 12 finalists, including a notable entry for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's 'Fueled by Imagination' campaign. This campaign's innovative use of storytelling and visual effects is a testament to Dentsu's ability to push the boundaries of what's possible in advertising.
Motion Sickness Auckland, a New Zealand-based agency, also made a strong showing with nine finalists, including five for 'The Māori Roll Call' for Whānau Ora. This campaign's focus on cultural identity and community engagement is a powerful example of how advertising can be used to promote social change.
The competition also saw strong performances from agencies in other countries. BLKJ Havas Singapore, for instance, had seven finalists, including four for Haraku Ramen's 'One Noodle' campaign, which allows gamers to enjoy their meal without pausing. Ogilvy Mumbai's work for Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea's 'Chai Bansuri – The Tea Flute' campaign, which pays homage to Indian classical music, was another standout entry.
The diversity of the finalists is a testament to the region's creative prowess and the ability of agencies to produce impactful campaigns across various industries and cultures. The One Show 2026 finalists represent a wide range of sectors, from healthcare to technology, and demonstrate the power of storytelling and creativity in driving brand success.
As the winners of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Pencils, as well as Merits, are announced during Creative Week 2026 on May 14, the anticipation is building for the awards ceremony on May 15 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. The One Show 2026 finalists represent the pinnacle of creativity in the Asia-Pacific region, and their achievements will undoubtedly inspire and influence the advertising industry for years to come.
In my opinion, the One Show 2026 finalists showcase the incredible talent and innovation that is driving the advertising industry forward. The diverse range of campaigns and agencies represented highlights the region's ability to produce impactful and memorable work that resonates with audiences around the world. As we await the results of the awards, it's clear that the APAC region is a powerhouse of creative excellence.
