The AARON Awards, the first global awards dedicated to creative intelligence and AI-driven advertising, have announced their 2026 shortlist, recognizing outstanding innovation at the intersection of human creativity and machine intelligence. Groove Jones has THREE productions that have been shortlisted for its work in the category of Best AI-Powered Real-Time Brand Experience and Best AI Workflow for Production, highlighting its leadership in developing next-generation, AI-driven brand activations.
From submissions spanning 45 countries, Groove Jones’ work stood out to an international jury as an example of excellence in AI-powered creativity, storytelling, and technical execution. The recognition underscores the studio’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of immersive and intelligent brand experiences.
BEST AI POWERED REAL-TIME BRAND EXPERIENCE
From live personalisation to dynamic systems at scale, this shortlist shows how real-time intelligence is reshaping brand interaction.
Client: Invesco QQQ
Production: Innovation Arena for NCAA Final Four
Partners: Groove Jones / 160over90
Case Study – https://www.groovejones.com/invesco-qqq-ai-ncaa-final-four-experience
Client: Invesco QQQ
Production: Recipe for Innovation AI Recipe Generator
Partners: Groove Jones / Episode Four / RYA
Case Study – https://www.groovejones.com/ai-recipe-app-and-touch-screen-interactions-for-invesco-qqq-at-the-nycwff-event
BEST AI WORKFLOW FOR PRODUCTION
From pipeline innovation to scalable production systems, this shortlist shows how new workflows are increasing speed, efficiency and creative output without compromising craft.
Client: Crocs
Production: Dick’s Sporting Goods FOOH Holiday Campaign for Crocs and NFL Collection
Partners: Groove Jones
Case Study – https://www.groovejones.com/dicks-sporting-goods-fooh-holiday-campaign-crocs-nfl-collection
About the AARON Awards
The AARON Awards are the first global awards program dedicated to honoring the fusion of human creativity and artificial intelligence in advertising and brand innovation. Named after AARON, the world’s first true AI artist, the awards celebrate groundbreaking work that uses AI as a primary creative medium.
Unlike traditional advertising awards or AI showcases focused on experimental or short-form content, the AARON Awards place commercial work at the forefront. The program was created to recognize the rapidly growing community of AI-native creators, boutique studios, and innovators who are redefining how brands connect with audiences through intelligent systems and real-time experiences.
Entries are evaluated by an international panel of experts who assess innovation, creative execution, technical achievement, and overall impact. The 2026 competition attracted submissions from across 45 countries, reflecting the global momentum behind AI-driven creativity.
Final round judging is currently underway, with winners to be announced during the AARON Awards virtual ceremony taking place April 16–17, 2026.
For more information, visit: https://www.aaronawards.com/