AWARD School Announces 2026 Student Finalists and Top Tutor Agencies

The Australasian Writers and Art Directors (AWARD) School revealed six state finalists for its 2026 national top student award. The finalists are Eva Schmitz (NSW), Tommy Hogan (VIC), Bailey Gatland (WA), Belinda Rabe (QLD), Furkan Erbasi (SA) and Louis Devine (Online). Each received the AWARD School Gold Pencil for the strength of their creative portfolios.

The top tutor agencies of the year were Clemenger BBDO and Droga5 in New South Wales, and TABOO and Special Australia in Victoria. The finalists were selected from a cohort of almost 200 students across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia‑Pacific region after a 12‑week training program.

All portfolios will be reviewed by an international Super Jury, and the national top student will be announced at the 47th AWARD Awards on 13 August. One finalist will also receive a Young Creative LIAisons Grant, enabling attendance at the London International Awards judging in Las Vegas. The program is supported by Meta, Commercial Radio & Audio and the Outdoor Media Association.