Melbourne’s advertising, design and creative industry gathered under the lights of The Forum on Friday, May 29, for the 2026 MADC Creative (Game)showcase - a celebration built around one central question: What’s the Best that Can Happen?

This year, MADC transformed its annual showcase into a live Gameshowcase, putting optimism to the test. T-shirts were fired into the crowd to randomly select contestants, who then stepped into the spotlight to predict the winners across the award categories.

And because no Gameshowcase would be complete without a final twist, Best in Show winners, Special, were invited to flip their ‘Coin of Destiny’ trophy for the opportunity to double their winnings - or lose them entirely… Fortunately, fate was on their side, bringing a fitting end to a ceremony defined by possibility.

Says Matt Lawson, Co-President of MADC: “What’s the Best that Can Happen? is a question that sits at the heart of creativity. Every great piece of work begins with someone willing to bet on an idea before they know exactly where it will lead. Tonight was a celebration of the people, teams and studios who did exactly that.”

Best in Show: BONDS - Made For Down Under via Special

Jury comments: This was a piece of work that felt instantly iconic. It took a uniquely Australian truth and delivered it with confidence, charm, perfect casting and exceptional craft. It was simple, culturally sharp and impossible to ignore - the kind of idea that cuts through immediately and leaves a lasting impression. In a year full of strong work, this stood apart for its clarity, restraint and cultural impact. Plus creating something so distinctly Australian with genuine global resonance is no mean feat.

See the work here.

Emerging Creative of the Year: Andy Matthews

Jury comments: This year’s Emerging Creative of the Year brought something rare: the confidence of experience paired with the hunger of someone just getting started. The result was a standout body of work that impressed the judges from the very first piece, and reminded us that great ideas don’t care about timelines - only talent.

See the complete list of winners here.

The MADC extends a huge thank you to its Showcase sponsors, whose belief in Melbourne's creative community helps make nights like this possible: Bang Bang Studios, EXIT Films, Guilty Content, Level Two Music.

There’s plenty more to come in 2026. Follow MADC on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming events, workshops and industry initiatives.