New York, September 29, 2026 — The Shorty Impact Awards today announced the finalists for its 11th annual program, recognizing brands, agencies, nonprofits, creators, and organizations behind purpose-driven work addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges.
This year’s program is centered on an increasingly urgent question: What Matters? The finalists represent work turning that question into action to tackle complex challenges through creativity, strategy, and ideas.
As audiences navigate a crowded digital landscape, the conversation is beginning to shift from attention to intention: from capturing attention for its own sake to creating meaningful value for audiences and encouraging action. The finalists this year reflect that shift, with work designed not simply to be seen, but to inform, engage, build connection, and move people toward meaningful action. Notable finalists include UNICEF, Malala Fund, The Rockefeller Foundation, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Levi Strauss & Co., Logitech, New York Life, AARP, Warner Bros. Discovery, Edelman, WPP, and We Are Social. View the full list of finalists.
“This year’s theme, ‘What Matters?’ puts the focus back on the purpose behind the work: what needs to change, who needs to be reached, and what meaningful action looks like beyond the dashboard,” said Junmian Sun, Managing Director, Shorty Impact Awards. “We’re proud to recognize this year’s finalists and invite the public to weigh in through the Audience Honor Voting, running September 29 through October 13.”
The winners of the 11th Annual Shorty Impact Awards will be announced November 17, 2026, at The Belasco Theater in Los Angeles. The evening will bring together creators, brands, agencies, and nonprofits to recognize the work turning ideas into meaningful action. View more information about the live show here.
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.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jade Nguyen, [email protected]
