Epica Awards launches satirical 2026 campaign around journalist jury

The Epica Awards have unveiled a 2026 call-for-entries campaign built around an “awards survival kit” that mocks industry lobbying and flattery. The campaign underscores Epica’s selling point: entries are judged by journalists, not creatives.

Why it matters: - Epica is leaning on its journalist-only jury to stand out in a crowded awards market. - The campaign frames that independence as a practical benefit for entrants: no schmoozing required. - The message reinforces Epica’s position as a global creative award judged exclusively by the press.

What happened: - Epica Awards launched a call-for-entries campaign for its 2026 awards. - UK-based creative leads Abi Stephenson and Matt Jones created the campaign. - The concept centers on an “awards survival kit” for other awards, not Epica. - The kit includes an ego-polishing cloth and “sh*t-talking breath mints.” - The campaign uses satire to spotlight Epica’s jury model.

The details: - Epica says the competition is independent and objective because journalists judge the work. - The global jury includes experienced writers and broadcasters in advertising, design, PR and digital. - The jury also includes specialists in production and photography. - Stephenson and Jones said the campaign builds on their 2024 work for Epica. - They said the new concept pushes the satire further and lands on Epica’s core point of difference: the work matters most. - Mark Tungate, Epica Awards editorial director, said the campaign is funny, relevant and well crafted. - Tungate said the idea highlights Epica’s positioning in a smart, eye-catching way. - Epica said it respects other awards shows and their jurors. - Contact for inquiries: Mark Tungate, Editorial Director, mark@epica-awards.com. - Epica’s social media page is here.

Between the lines: - The campaign turns a common industry behavior, lobbying jurors, into the joke. - That approach helps Epica differentiate itself without relying on a technical explanation of its judging process. - The satire also positions the awards as less transactional than peer-judged competitions.

What’s next: - Epica will use the campaign to drive entries for the 2026 awards cycle. - The journalist jury will continue judging submissions as the entry period progresses. - The campaign’s visibility will likely be part of Epica’s broader effort to attract work that values independent judging.