The Pepper Creative Awards, one of South India’s established platforms for recognising excellence in advertising, design, digital, film, content and creative communication, is expanding its reach across India as it marks its 20th edition.
Pepper Awards 2026, for the first time, has opened its call for entries to creative work from across the country, moving beyond its traditional South Indian footprint. Organisers expect more than 1,000 entries for the landmark edition from agencies, brands and creative professionals across India.
The 20th edition was announced and the call for entries jointly launched at a press meet in Kochi, by Josy Paul, chairman and chief creative officer of BBDO India, and Prathap Suthan, co-founder and chief creative officer of Bang In The Middle.
Pepper Awards was launched in 2006 as an initiative to recognise creative excellence in South India. The 2026 edition marks a significant expansion of its ambitions, with entries now invited from across India.
The organisers said the pan-India expansion, along with participation from a wider pool of agencies, advertisers and creative professionals, is expected to make the 20th edition one of the most competitive in the awards’ history.
The awards will feature a distinguished jury comprising leading creative professionals from across India.
“Reaching the 20th edition is a deeply satisfying milestone for Pepper. What started two decades ago as an initiative to recognise creative excellence in South India has grown into a platform that has earned the affection and respect of the creative community,” said Venugopal, chairman, Pepper Creative Awards Trust.
Pepper Awards 2026 chairman PK Natesh said the decision to open the awards nationally would bring a wider range of creative work and talent into the competition.
Further details on the call for entries, award categories and other programmes are available through the Pepper Awards website. Organisers can also be contacted on 98460 50589 and 75599 50909.
