BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA – MAD STARS proudly invites marketing, advertising, and digital content professionals to show their creativity as it celebrates its 18th anniversary. Submissions for MAD STARS 2025 are open until June 16.
In step with the ever-shifting advertising and marketing landscape, MAD STARS 2025 introduces new categories designed to spotlight emerging trends. With an expanded scope that now includes 6 Groups, 25 Stars, and 442 Categories, this year’s awards promises to recognize the range of creative techniques employed in the world’s best advertising.
Pivot Category redefined to highlight AI
The first important addition is that creatives utilizing AI technology can be submitted. The Pivot category has been redefined to focus on AI, highlighting its transformative role in marketing, advertising, and creativity. The new category aims to spotlight innovative cases that use AI to develop new advertising techniques or enhance consumer experiences.
Video Group transforms into the Entertainment Group
The former Video Group has been renamed the Entertainment Group, reflecting the growing influence of entertainment in advertising. New subcategories, including Games, Sports, and Music, acknowledge the expanding role of creativity in shaping culture and artistic expression across entertainment sectors.
New Culture & Context sector for meaningful impact
A Culture & Context sector has been added across various categories to recognize work that deeply resonates with cultural contexts and market dynamics worldwide.
With a panel of 340+ global industry experts, MAD STARS ensures a fair and rigorous selection process. In the Professional Division, an initial online screening leads to three rounds of final judging—one online and two offline—to determine the winners across multiple tiers, from Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Crystal, to Grand Prix by Category and the coveted Grand Prix of the Year. Meanwhile, the General Public Division winners will be determined through preliminary judging alone.
Entry fees for the Professional Division vary depending on the submission period and category, ranging from US$250 to US$400 for single entries and US$250 to US$500 for series entries. The General Public Division remains free to enter.
∙ 1st Deadline (Early Bird): May 9, 2025
∙ 2nd Deadline (Regular): May 30, 2025
∙ Final Deadline: June 16, 2025
Submit your entry by June 16, for a chance to be recognized among the best in global creativity.
