D&AD shortlists record-breaking submissions ahead of the 60th annual Awards

There's not long to go until the 60th D&AD Awards, which will take place via two virtual ceremonies on 25 and 26 May 2022. But as we get closer to the renowned event, which celebrates excellence in design and advertising, we can see from the unprecedented number of submissions that the creative community is going from strength to strength.

The charity received entries from creatives all over the world in the hopes of winning one of the 40 categories and impressing a cohort of nearly 400 judges made up of leading creative minds. Regions such as the Middle East and India saw the biggest increase in submissions, and across the board, the number of entries went up by 18% to surpass pre-pandemic levels.

Dara Lynch, Chief Operating Officer at D&AD, said: "Over the last 60 years, D&AD Awards have become recognised as the ultimate creative accolade with one of the most rigorous judging processes that holds creativity to the highest possible standard. This year we have seen record entry figures that reflect the exceptional resolve of our industry and the belief that great creative work can create better outcomes for all.

"As a non-profit educational charity, Awards entries fund our learning programmes, enabling D&AD to work towards a fairer and more sustainable future. This year, we celebrate not only the best creative work created from the past year but also the contribution that every entrant makes towards skills development and supporting underrepresented talent reflected in our manifesto, 'Be Part of More'.

"We now look forward to the Awards ceremony on the 25th and 26th of May, when we will be able to reveal work which has received a coveted D&AD Pencil."

Donal Keenan, Awards Director at D&AD, added: "I can speak on behalf of the over 400 Judges involved in this year's awards judging process that selecting entries for the shortlists was no easy feat. We were all positively surprised not only with the increased amount of creative work that has been submitted worldwide but also with the calibre and quality of work coming through across categories.

"Some of the projects on this list have really risen to the current challenging landscape and showcased solutions that address pressing issues of our time. And, for that, I'd like to congratulate all the entrants shortlisted on the well-deserved recognition."

As well as boasting a bumper crop of creative work to sift through, D&AD has also announced its partnership with HP Indigo. It will see the launch of a new series of creative education labs to empower creative work with impact, a fitting expansion of the Awards ceremony that has set the gold standard for creative excellence.

Both announcements reiterate the manifesto of this year's Awards manifesto: 'Be Part of More'. As an education charity, entries help D&AD to deliver on its ambitious learning programmes that bridge the gap between education and industry. More entries mean more expansion and a better creative landscape overall.

As always, the D&AD Awards categories reflect the creative landscape, and 2022 is no exception. The updated programme tackles the fundamental themes currently permeating the creative industries, ensuring the Awards remain the most relevant benchmark for creative excellence in design and advertising.

New subcategories include Upstream Innovation, recognising creatives rethinking products and services to fit within a circular system. Then there's Responsible Ideas, which champions work that's mindful of people and the planet. AR, VR and MR also get their own subcategories, as do XR and Health & Wellbeing.

And as part of D&AD's commitment to improving accessibility and diversity in the creative sector, particularly during the current economic climate, all entries were offered a 40% discount to enter their work by 12 January 2022. To browse the full list of shortlisted hopefuls, head to the D&AD site.