The New York Festivals Advertising Awards (NYFA) has revealed the winners of its debut NYFAi competition—a global initiative launched in collaboration with Lightricks’ LTX Studio to push the boundaries of storytelling through AI innovation. Out of seven participating agencies, three advanced to the final round, presenting standout campaigns that demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool in augmenting and amplifying human creativity within the world of advertising.
“NYFAi is more than a competition, it’s a window into the evolving landscape of creativity. By fusing the instinct and imagination of world-class creatives with the powerful capabilities of LTX Studio, we’re demonstrating that AI can be a true storytelling partner-from the first spark of an idea to the final frame. This year’s participants didn’t just rise to the challenge—they redefined the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re proud to build the tools that help bring these bold, breakthrough ideas to life,” said Shani Mandel-Laufer, VP, Strategy and Business Development at Lightricks.
Each team received a creative brief from a nonprofit organization or startup and, in just a few weeks, transformed it into a 30–60 second spot ready for release.
- The inaugural NYFAi winners are:
- GOLD: “Closer Than You Think”
- Client: The Duke Lemur Center
- Agency: CYLNDR Studios
- SILVER: “Expansive Pad”
- Client: Helping Women Period
- Agency: Clutch
- BRONZE: “Find Your Feet”
- Client: New York Scores
- Agency: Code and Theory
“We’re thrilled to see how these talented teams, inspired by the creative brief and empowered by the AI platform, rose to the challenge and delivered standout work at the forefront of AI-powered creativity. Congratulations to this year’s winners and thanks to LTX Studio and all who participated in making the inaugural NYFAi such a success.” said Scott Rose, President, New York Festivals.
“It’s an honor to take home Gold for the inaugural NYFAi competition and be recognized amongst other esteemed industry leaders,” said Sylvain Tron, Managing Director, CYLNDR Studios.
All campaigns submitted to NYFAi were evaluated by the esteemed 2025 NYFA Executive Jury. Gold, Silver, and Bronze trophies were awarded to the highest-scoring entries, setting a new benchmark for AI-driven storytelling.
“This win not only speaks volumes to the forward-thinking team we’ve assembled at CYLNDR Studios but also the ways in which technology and AI are pushing the industry forward for good, like we were able to do with our Gold-winning work for The Duke Lemur Center.”
