MFA Awards 2026 - Application to Judge

The MFA Awards are our industry's pre-eminent awards program, celebrating and showcasing the most effective and inspiring media thinking in Australia.  

We invite individuals to self-nominate to be considered for the 2026 judging panel, and to help identify the most exciting and effective 'work that works' from our industry.   

We want to ensure that the work is judged by a diverse range of experts from all corners of the industry. Client nominations and applications are encouraged and welcomed.  

Eligibility 
In order to be considered as an MFA Awards judge, individuals must have a minimum of 8 years' experience working in the media, marketing and/or communications industry. Judges should demonstrate genuine interest in contributing to the media community.   

All judge applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure criteria is met and conflicts of interest with entries are minimised.  

The role of a MFA Awards judge is in high demand, regrettably not all applications will be successful.   

Judges from industry trade press are not eligible to take part. 

Timing 

15 – 29 May Online judging  
(approx. 6 hrs of scoring in judges own time) 

19 May  Virtual panel briefing session  
(approx. 20 minutes) 

2 June  Sydney Live judging (approx. 2 hrs)  

3 June  Melbourne Live judging (approx. 2 hrs)  

Note - the live judging session is completed with a blind vote.  Judges will not be made aware of the result until they are announced at the MFA Awards event on 24 September.  

Judging can be a timely process with multiple stages. 

At the MFA we take confidentiality seriously and have measures in place to keep data safe.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, are available on the above dates and would like to be considered, please complete the form below by 5 May Any questions can be directed to hello@rareproductions.com.au 

Successful judges will be notified and provided with instructions for the online judging process via email once entries close in early May. 
 
Note, the NGEN Award category runs independently to the remainder of the MFA Awards. Should you like to be considered specifically for the NGEN Award category, please email hello@rareproductions.com.au