New York, October 7, 2025 - The Shorty Impact Awards today announced the finalists for its 10th annual program, celebrating a decade of honoring the most impactful purpose-driven campaigns across digital and social media.
The milestone 10th-year theme, “Decade Forward,” is a call to action that highlights the work defining the next ten years of social change. The finalists embody this vision, showcasing bold ideas, initiatives, and voices actively shaping the future of impact and progress.
The finalists span new and evolving categories that reflect today’s dynamic landscape of impact-driven creativity, such as Responsible Technology, Integration with Traditional Media, Use of Viral Content, and Brand Voice.
“The past ten years have proven what's possible when creativity meets purpose,” said Junmian Sun, Managing Director, Shorty Impact Awards. “We saw that the finalists are not simply responding to today’s challenges, but proactively shaping the solutions for tomorrow. We are honored to showcase their world-changing work.”
Notable finalists include SixDegrees.org, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, UNICEF, Smile Train, PETA, PepsiCo Foundation, Headspace, McDonald’s, Panda Express, Tony’s Chocolonely, iHeartMedia, MTV, Al Jazeera Media Network, Authentic, Impact Media, VML, Small Girls PR, and Edelman. View the full list of finalists here.
The winners will be revealed at the live ceremony on November 18, 2025, at The Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. The evening will bring together top creators, brands, and nonprofits to celebrate a decade of transformative work. View more information about the live show here.
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About The Shorty Awards
The Shorty Awards (also known as “The Shortys”) honors the most innovative work in digital and social media by brands, agencies and organizations.
Founded in 2008, the Shortys’ notable previous winners include Malala Yousafzai, Trevor Noah, Michelle Obama, Conan O’Brien, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, and brands such as MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount, Digitas, HBO, Meta, Airbnb, Honda, UNICEF and PepsiCo.
The Shortys’ mission is to celebrate, inspire and push the boundaries of excellence in digital storytelling. Entries are judged on the merits of creativity, strategy, and engagement by the Real Time Academy, a body of hand-selected industry experts and leaders. The public can also weigh in and select their favorite Shorty Awards contenders during Audience Honor Voting.
Currently, the Shortys have two annual competitions, the flagship Shorty Awards and Shorty Impact Awards dedicated to honoring the best work with a positive social impact.
