Recognizing creative excellence in the art of advertising, the American Advertising Awards, aka the ADDYs, is the industry’s largest and most representative competition.
The Nashville ADDYs is a local competition and the first step towards winning a national ADDY 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 ADDY Award recognizes the highest level of creative excellence in the category. Entries that are also considered outstanding and worthy of recognition receive a Silver ADDY 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 ADDY 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.
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 Addy 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.
Each year, Addy judges award Art Director of the Year and Copywriter of the Year Awards to the art director and copywriter whose work stands out among their peers and demonstrate creative excellence.
Congratulations to Forrest Quinn, 2026 Copywriter of the Year
and Ashley Kohorst Sieling, 2026 Art Director of the Year.
The Addy 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.