Now in its fifth year, The Media Leader Awards return to honour the individuals, teams, and organisations redefining excellence across the media landscape. As the industry’s benchmark for leadership, innovation, and excellence the awards celebrate those who are not only shaping the present, but building the future of media.
From bold decision makers to collaborative powerhouses, this is your opportunity to recognise the people and partnerships making a real impact.
“The Media Leader Awards are a celebration of our community—those who lead with purpose, inspire others, and drive positive change in our industry,” said James Longhurst, content director of The Media Leader.
Full details are available on the awards website.
Award Categories
This year’s awards span across individual, team, and company achievements, with categories designed to reflect the full spectrum of leadership in media:
Grand Prix Awards (Judges’ Selection)
Media Leader of the Year (4 awards):
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- Media Agency Leader
- Media Owner Leader
- Brand Leader
- Technology Leader
Judges’ Special Choice Award
Recognising an individual—inside or outside the industry—who has made a powerful impression on the media world.
Senior Leadership Awards
Celebrating outstanding leaders at managing director level or above (or marketing director for brands) who embody the values of: Disruption, Inclusion, Courage, and Excellence.
- Media Agency Leader
- Media Owner Leader
- Brand Leader
- Technology Leader
Future 100 Award
Emerging Leader of the Year
Selected by the Future 100 community, this award celebrates rising stars shaping the next generation of media leadership.
Team & Company Awards
Leadership Team of the Year
Honouring teams that have demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking, innovation, and collaboration.
Company of the Year
Recognising organisations that have delivered outstanding results and cultural impact
Excellence Awards
Sustainability Excellence Award
This award celebrates a media organisation that has shown true leadership in sustainability.This award honours those who are building and championing a better, greener future for our industry and beyond.
Talent Excellence Award
This award recognises a media company that has gone above and beyond to invest in its people.
Trust in Media Excellence Award
This award honours media organisations that have built their reputation on trust, transparency, and quality.
Best Use of AI Excellence Award
This new award recognises a company or team that has used artificial intelligence in a truly innovative and impactful way.
The important dates
- Entries Open: Thursday 3 July
- Early Bird Deadline: Friday 1 August
- Standard Entry Deadline: Friday 29 August
- Extended Entry Deadline: Friday 5 September
- Judging Period: 15–19 September
- Shortlist Announcement: Monday 29 September
- Awards Ceremony: Wednesday 5 November
