The PR and communications industry's most impactful campaigns, standout agencies and in-house teams were celebrated last night at the 2026 PRNEWS Platinum Awards Gala, held at The Lighthouse in New York City. More than 400 industry leaders gathered for what has become known as the biggest night in PR, as winners were revealed live on stage for nearly 30 years of the profession's most enduring recognition.
The evening honored excellence across every discipline in communications — from media relations and brand strategy to public affairs, digital innovation and experiential campaigns. Platinum Award winners were announced live on stage alongside the 2026 People of the Year honorees and Agency Elite Top 120, representing the full breadth of outstanding work across the profession.
Winners included leading brands and agencies such as Aflac, Citizen Relations, Corn Refiners Association, Duffy & Shanley, Etched Communication, Factory PR, French/West/Vaughan, Fullintel, Hanna Lee Communications, JOAN Collaborative, LifeSci Communications, Novitas Communications, The Sway Effect, Tony Fay Public Relations and many more.
View the full list of 2026 Platinum Awards winners >>
"PR has never been more essential to how organizations build trust, navigate complexity and demonstrate impact," said Kaylee Hultgren, Associate Publisher of Content and Awards at PRNEWS. "This year's Platinum Award winners represent the very best of that work: the campaigns and teams that didn't just execute well, but delivered results that matter. Seeing this room come together to celebrate that work is exactly why we do this every year."
The gala featured a red-carpet networking reception, sit-down dinner, live awards ceremony and the Platinum After Party, with attendees from leading brands, agencies and nonprofits across the country.
For sponsorship opportunities or information about next year's event, contact Kelly Mahoney at kmahoney@accessintel.com. For general inquiries, reach Mary-Lou French at mfrench@accessintel.com.
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About PRNEWS:
Chief Marketer Network’s PRNEWS is a leading source of business intelligence, recognition, and community for communications professionals. Through award programs, events, and editorial coverage, PRNEWS spotlights excellence, innovation, and leadership across the PR and communications industry.
About Chief Marketer Network:
The Chief Marketer Network (CMN) is a leading marketing intelligence hub connecting a global portfolio of nine specialized media brands that span the primary channels of media and marketing — from advertising technology to PR and communications. With an aggregate audience of over 1 million marketing professionals, CMN delivers curated insights, trend forecasting, and cross-disciplinary coverage that empower marketers to stay ahead of what’s next. Trusted by industry leaders, the Chief Marketer Network is the go-to resource for actionable intelligence across the evolving marketing landscape. CMN brands include AdExchanger, Event Marketer, Chief Marketer, PRNEWS, LeadsCon, Cynopsis, and CFX.
Media Contact:
Mary-Lou French
Awards Manager, PRNEWS
mfrench@accessintel.com