The Nashville’s American Advertising Awards is a local competition and the first step towards winning a national award. Entrants submit creative work in one of ten primary categories. A judging panel made up of respected industry professionals selects the most creative entry in each category via a scoring system. A Gold Award recognizes the highest level of creative excellence in the category. Entries that are also considered outstanding and worthy of recognition receive a Silver Award. The number of awards given in each category is determined by the judges, based on the relative quality of work in that category. Nashville’s American Advertising Awards winners go up against winners from other clubs in District 7 in one of 15 district competitions across the country. District-level winners then move on to the national American Advertising Awards.
*Call for entries will be announced in early Fall 2026
Recognizing creative excellence in the art of advertising, the American Advertising Awards – the industry’s largest and most representative competition.
The 2025 AAF Nashville American Advertising Awards, themed "Nashville's Not Chicken," celebrated the city’s advertising excellence and creative community. The event honored professionals and students for their innovation, storytelling, and impact.
The 61st Annual American Advertising Awards celebrated "Going for the Gold" through the ideas, craft, and resilience that define Nashville’s creative community. The 2026 awards recognized the standout work and talent shaping the city’s advertising industry.
Each year, the American Advertising Award judges bestow the Art Director of the Year Award to the art director whose body of work stands out among their peers and demonstrates creative excellence.
Congratulations to Ashley Kohorst Sieling, 2026 Art Director of the Year.
Each year, the American Advertising Award judges bestow the Copywriter of the Year Award to the copywriter whose body of work stands out among their peers and demonstrates creative excellence.
Congratulations to Forrest Quinn, 2026 Copywriter of the Year.
Best of Show is the top award given at the American Advertising Awards. Judges confer and agree upon the piece or campaign that they feel demonstrates creativity, craftsmanship, and strategy that surpass all other entries.
Congratulations to Fire Kite, 2026 Best of Show Winner.
Established in 1959, the Silver Medal Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of advertising and who have been active in furthering industry standards, creative excellence, and social responsibility. Nominees are submitted by AAFN members, and the winner is selected by a committee of past Silver Medal winners.
Congratulations to John Sharpe, 2026 Silver Medalist.
The Mosaic Award recognizes companies and agencies whose commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through their creative work and organization-wide initiatives. Nashville Mosaic Award winners are selected from the pool of entries submitted in the American Advertising Awards that best represent diversity and inclusion.
Congratulations to Evolve Studios, 2026 Mosaic Award Winner.
The Nashville Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging talent making waves early in their creative journey. Given to an exceptional student whose entries in the Student American Advertising Awards competition truly shine, the Rising Star Award includes a $500 scholarship to help further their pursuit of creative excellence.
Congratulations to Sarah Kestila, 2026 Rising Star.
Student Best of Show is the top award given at the Student American Advertising Awards. Judges confer and agree upon the piece or campaign that they feel demonstrates talent, skill, and critical thinking abilities that make it rise to the top.
Congratulations to Mary Moody, 2026 Student Best of Show Winner.
Student Engagement Co-Chair, Student Awards Captain
The American Advertising Awards ceremony isn’t the only party we throw – AAF Nashville hosts networking events, creative seminars, happy hours, and more throughout the year. Join us at our next event.
