ADFEST 2026 has released its first wave of Lotus finalists, spanning eight categories: Commerce, Creative Strategy, Radio & Audio, Film, New Director, Media, Entertainment, and Design. This year’s festival, themed “Human+,” runs from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21 at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Pattaya, Thailand.
The first batch of winners of the Lotus Awards will be announced on Friday, March 20.
The Philippines makes a strong showing in the first wave, landing six finalist entries across Film, Media, and Entertainment.
BBDO Guerrero leads the charge for Philippine agencies with two nods for Safetynovela for Philippine Airlines in both Online Film: Travel & Leisure and Entertainment’s Fiction & Non-Fiction Film categories.
Gigil Manila follows with Chicky for GrabMart in the Web Series category. Dentsu Creative Manila earns a spot in Media’s Branded Entertainment & Content for #SaveToVoteWithMaya and Leo Manila secures two entries for Gamifries in both Use of Guerrilla Marketing & Stunts and Breakthrough on a Budget.
Overall, Japan leads the full shortlist with 30 finalists, followed by Thailand with 24 and South Korea with 10.
Another round of shortlisted entries from the other categories will be announced tomorrow, March 19.
