This year, there are six new categories to increase your chances of showcasing your work on the global stage. Even Finalists gain worldwide attention. The new categories are:
SPORTS Recognizes work that celebrates original, impactful and culturally aware work inspired by sport. Creativity that harnesses the power of sport and sportspeople to connect with audiences, work that harnesses the power of creativity, that captures the drama, emotion and unity of sports to drive both brand and cultural impact.
GAMING The creative use of video games and gamified interactive media for desktop, mobile, web, virtual or web 3.0 platforms to create branded experiences.
CULTURAL CATALYST Recognizes creativity that sparks significant cultural impact. Work that is relevant, sparks conversations, sets trends and integrates itself into the cultural conversation. This new category is inextricably linked to culture and transforms marketing into unique content.
ENTERTAINMENT & CONTENT Honors storytelling that leverages entertainment to market a brand, product, or service. This category moves far beyond traditional marketing and into genuine engagement awarding work that captivates audiences in ways indistinguishable from entertainment alone. Leveraging ecosystems like film, television, gaming, mobile and live events.
BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION Recognizes that creativity does not just live within campaigns. It now plays an influential role in the enduring transformation of business including their operations, services, products, internal and customer experiences. This medium doesn’t just recognize work that promotes solutions to customers. It recognizes the solutions themselves.
DEMOCRACY and HUMAN RIGHTS Recognizes creative work that actively promotes and strengthens Democratic and Human Rights values around the world. Honors communications and ideas that inspire people to care about human rights, free expression, fair representation, accountability and the essential freedoms that allow democracy to thrive and human rights to be protected. Rather than simply illustrating these principles, the work should motivate audiences to protect and advance them, whether it is at a local, national, continental or global level. This award has support, but no operational role from the European Parliament to amplify the promotion of human rights and democracy. No work for political parties or political candidates will be eligible for submission.
The winners of LIA redefine the standard of creativity every year. Winning a winged LIA statue has opened doors and earned winners worldwide accolades and recognition. It sets you apart from your peers.
Onsite judging will be held from 25th September through 3rd October 2026 at Encore @ Wynn Las Vegas. Winners and Finalists will be announced 28th September through 5th October, 2026.
