The 2026 AAF Buffalo Award Show: A night like never before.

Looking back is always fun. (We’re doing it right now!) And nostalgia is such a powerful force. That was the vibe last night at the 2026 Buffalo American Advertising Awards. We celebrated past show themes with the grander message of recognizing what actually has not been done before. Those singularly new and exciting ideas.

And boy, did our ideas outdo themselves.

We were humbled/thrilled/pumped/completely jazzed to take home the night’s top honor for the second straight year. Best of Show was awarded to our Billieve Together Playoff Campaign for M&T Bank.

This work in and of itself was a memory-inducing machine that rallied WNY around our beloved Bills and made us all realize (again) what we truly have in common. Reimagining this connection in stunning new ways resonated not only with this year’s judges, but the community at large. And Bills Mafia far and wide. It was work we loved which is always sweeter when others look fondly on it as well.

When the wonderful night finally came to a perfect end, we took home 28 awards in total.

Have a look at our winners.

M&T Bank
Billieve Together Playoff Campaign

Buffalo Zoo
Out-of-Home Campaign

MusicalFare
Logo and Campaign

M&T Bank
Team M&T

The Strong National Museum of Play
Play Strong Campaign

Erie Canal harbor Development Corporation
Bicentennial Campaign

Rupp PfalzgrafFolder and Booklet

ESAB
Filler Metals Made For More

Spring Garden
Maifest Campaign

AAF Buffalo
2025 Show Reels

Crowley Webb
Valentines

Crowley Webb
Holiday Video

Meaningful recognition.

But that wasn’t all. We also had the opportunity to revel in the work we are doing as part of our Route 86 internship program. This program, which focuses on exposing diverse students to the advertising world was honored with the AAF Buffalo Mosaic award, which celebrates those who demonstrate a masterful commitment to DEI through creative work and/or organizational initiatives. And while this honor is amazing, what’s truly moving is what the students who’ve been part of this program have gone on to do.

Let’s do it again.

Looking back is fun indeed. Especially when it involves being recognized for the work we love so deeply. The work that’s always new and exciting. But, like every year, it’s time to look forward and dream up what’s next. Because nothing is more rewarding than that.

Cheers to all of last night’s winners.

Overall award count.

• 1 best of show award

• 10 gold awards

• 18 silver awards

• 9 clients