The shortlist for this year’s D&AD Awards across all categories has been released. The winners will be revealed in two virtual ceremonies on May 25 and 26.   

Now in its 60th year, the D&AD Awards competition has grown to incorporate more than 40 categories judged by a cohort of nearly 400 of the world’s leading creative minds. The awards recognize work that has made a significant impact and will inspire seasoned talent as well as the next generation.

A total of 1,362 entries have been shortlisted for the awards and come off the back of a robust number of entries which surpass pre-pandemic entry records and is a testament to the value of recognizing exceptional creative work. 

Additionally, this significant boost and breadth of entries from across the globe reiterate this year’s D&AD Awards manifesto, “Be Part of More.” Pencil winning work leaves an important and lasting legacy, informing the future of commercial creativity globally. Importantly, as an education charity, entries enable D&AD to deliver their ambitious learning programs that bridge the gap between education and industry, and support underrepresented talent to develop their skills and their network.

Every year, the D&AD Awards categories evolve to best represent the creative and cultural landscape within which work is being produced. The revised program addresses fundamental themes currently permeating the creative industries and ensures that the awards remain the most relevant benchmark for creative excellence in design and advertising. 

The 2022 Awards saw the introduction of Upstream Innovation subcategories, awarding those rethinking products and services to fit within a circular system; Responsible Ideas, to champion work mindful of people and planet; dedicated subcategories for AR, VR and MR work as well as Use of XR to recognize work that is reimagining how brands interact with consumers; and subcategories under Health & Wellbeing for those innovating in the field of health, wellness, fitness and nutrition.

The top ranking countries by number of shortlisted entries are: 

• United States: 400
• United Kingdom: 273
• France: 113
• Germany:  85
• Brazil: 62 
• Australia: 56
• China: 48
• Japan: 45
• Canada: 44
• India: 37

The top 5 ranking entrant companies by number of shortlisted entries are:

• Ogilvy UK: 25
• TBWA\Paris: 22
• Area 23, An IPG Health Company: 20
• BETC Paris: 19
• adam&eveDDB: 18
   

The total number of entries shortlisted in each category are:

• Animation -  30 Entries
• Art Direction - 31 Entries
• Book Design - 37 Entries
• Branding - 67 Entries
• Casting - 45 Entries
• Cinematography - 21 Entries
• Creative Transformation - 11 Entries
• Digital - 86 Entries
• Digital Design - 27 Entries
• Direct - 48 Entries
• Direction - 45 Entries 
• E-Commerce - 21 Entries
• Editing - 22 Entries 
• Entertainment - 62 Entries
• Experiential - 53 Entries
• Film - 77 Entries
• Future Impact - 6 Entries
• Gaming - 14 Entries
• Graphic Design - 50 Entries
• Illustration - 36 Entries 
• Impact - 49 Entries
• Integrated - 17 Entries
• Magazine & Newspaper Design - 26 Entries
• Media - 51 Entries
• Music Videos - 18 Entries
• Packaging Design - 48 Entries
• Photography - 17 Entries
• PR - 60 Entries
• Press & Outdoor - 55 Entries
• Product Design - 34 Entries
• Production Design - 20 Entries
• Radio & Audio - 17 Entries
• Side Hustle - 7 Entries
• Sound Design & Use of Music - 31 Entries
• Spatial Design - 21 Entries
• Type Design - 9  Entries 
• Typography - 16 Entries
• Visual Effects - 26 Entries
• Writing for Advertising - 30 Entries
• Writing for Design - 21 Entries

All 1,362 shortlisted pieces are showcased on the D&AD website.

2022 submissions have seen a substantial increase in entries from nearly all regions. Middle East & India have seen the most significant change with an uplift of 71%, followed by Europe (35%), USA and Canada (15%), Southeast Asia (14%), UK & Ireland (12%), and Oceania (8%). In addition, there was a record number of total entries for this year’s awards with an 18% overall increase. 

Donal Keenan, D&AD Awards director, commented: “I can speak on behalf of the over 400 Judges involved in this year’s Awards judging process that the task of selecting entries for the shortlists was no easy feat. We were all positively surprised not only with the increased amount of creative work that has been submitted worldwide, but also with the caliber and quality of work coming through across categories. Some of the projects here on this list have really risen up to the current challenging landscape and showcased solutions that address pressing issues of our time. And, for that, I’d like to congratulate all the entrants shortlisted on the well-deserved recognition.”

In order to demonstrate its increasing commitment to supporting positive change through creativity, D&AD is collaborating with HP Indigo to drive impact through creative education.  A series of D&AD Impact Labs with HP Indigo in London, Barcelona and Atlanta will empower local agencies to create world-changing work--exploring themes of personalization, co-creation and sustainability, whilst a 2023 New Blood brief will reach and teach the immediate next generation to co-create transformative designs, campaigns and initiatives that benefit our planet, our society and our business. Further details will be available soon.