The 2026 Award Structure
The definitive global framework for recognising creative influence with measurable impact.
For 2026, we’ve evolved – with the structure now mirroring the realities of joined-up influencer strategy – creative ambition, commercial accountability, sustained formats, innovation, sector leadership and the teams driving it forward.
The result is stronger competition, clearer benchmarking and recognition that carries genuine industry weight.
Together, these categories define the full spectrum of influencer and creator-led marketing as a strategic, collaborative and commercially significant discipline.
The descriptions below provide a directional overview. Detailed category definitions, eligibility requirements and scoring weightings are available in the Official Entry Kit.
ACCESS THE 2026 ENTRY KIT
Scoring criteria, judging insight and submission guidance - everything you need to prepare a high-scoring entry.
THE CATEGORIES
CREATIVE & CULTURAL EXCELLENCE
Work that moves culture forward while delivering meaningful audience impact.
Best Audience Engagement Campaign
Awarded to the campaign that drove exceptional interaction and participation.
Best Brand Awareness Campaign
Recognising excellence in using influencers to build reach and salience.
Best Cultural Moment or Entertainment Activation
For campaigns that tapped into cultural or entertainment moments.
Best Integrated Influencer Campaign
Recognising influencer campaigns integrated across multiple marketing channels.
Best Purpose-Driven or Sustainability Campaign
Recognising impactful campaigns built around purpose.
Best Small Budget, Big Impact Campaign
Awarded to campaigns delivering exceptional results on limited budgets.
Most Creative Influencer Campaign NEW
Awarded to the campaign that pushed the boundaries of creativity in influencer marketing.
COMMERCIAL IMPACT & PERFORMANCE
Campaigns and partnerships proven to drive measurable revenue, growth and ROI.
Best B2B Influencer Marketing Campaign
Awarded to outstanding campaigns in B2B sectors.
Best Data-Driven Influencer Campaign
Awarded to campaigns powered by data and insight.
Best Full-Funnel Influencer Strategy
Recognising influencer strategies spanning awareness to conversion.
Best Influencer-Led Commerce Campaign NEW
Awarded to campaigns driving direct social commerce sales.
Best Retail & eCommerce Influencer Strategy
Recognising strategies strengthening retail and online ecosystems.
Most Effective Campaign for ROI
For campaigns delivering exceptional measurable ROI.
FORMAT, CONTENT & COMMUNITY
Creator-led storytelling and community strategies that deepen engagement and loyalty.
Best Influencer-Led Content Series or Franchise
Recognising multi-episode influencer storytelling.
Best Use of Micro, Nano or Niche Creators
Recognising strategic use of smaller creators.
Best Use of User-Generated Content (UGC)
Recognising excellence in UGC-led campaigns.
INNOVATION & FUTURE
New models, technologies and approaches redefining how creator marketing performs.
Best Influencer Marketing Platform or Technology
Awarded to outstanding influencer tech solutions.
Best Use of AI in Influencer Marketing
Awarded to innovative use of AI in campaigns.
VERTICAL EXCELLENCE
Standout work within specific industries and specialist sectors.
Best Consumer Goods Campaign
Recognising excellence in CPG influencer marketing.
Best Entertainment, Gaming & Music Campaign NEW
Recognising excellence in entertainment-led campaigns.
Best Fashion, Beauty & Luxury Campaign
Recognising excellence in fashion and beauty influencer marketing.
Best Finance, Travel or Services Campaign
Recognising excellence in services sectors.
PEOPLE AND TEAMS
Individuals and teams demonstrating sustained performance, leadership and industry contribution.
Boutique Influencer Marketing Agency of the Year
Awarded to the leading independent influencer agency.
Global Influencer Marketing Agency of the Year
Awarded to the leading global influencer agency.
Influencer Marketing Team of the Year
Awarded to the best in-house or agency team.
Rising Star of the Year
Awarded to an emerging industry talent.
Talent Agency of the Year
Awarded to the leading talent management agency.
GRAND PRIX
The Grand Prix Awards
For 2026, the Regional Grand Prix awards replace the previous regional entry categories.
Rather than being open for direct submission, these honours are selected from the strongest medal-winning campaigns across the entire programme – ensuring each Grand Prix represents true regional excellence.
The GIMA Global Grand Prix is chosen from all confirmed Gold-winning work and is awarded only where the jury agrees it sets a new industry benchmark.
Grand Prix awards cannot be entered directly.
APAC Influencer Marketing Grand Prix NEW
Awarded to the leading campaign in APAC selected from a medal position across all the awards.
EMEA Influencer Marketing Grand Prix NEW
Awarded to the leading campaign in EMEA selected from a medal position across all the awards.
Global Influencer Marketing Grand Prix NEW
Awarded to the single most outstanding campaign globally.