The German Advertising Film Awards (DWP) have been presented annually since 2013, celebrating outstanding achievements in German commercial filmmaking. The coveted award trophy, the Hatto, is named after Hatto Kurtenbach, founder of the predecessor event, the vdw Award. 

The DWP honours excellence across 13 categories, including Best Commercial, Direction, Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Visual Effects, Animation, Production Design, Costume Design, Original Score, Sound Design, Best Young Directing Talent, and the Media Award. 

The German Commercial Film Awards (DWP) is a craft award, celebrating the creative disciplines behind exceptional commercial filmmaking. These crafts are represented by the appointed members of the German Commercial Film Academy and form the creative backbone of both the Academy and the Awards. 

There are no submission fees – a unique feature among German commercial film awards. 

Everyone is welcome to submit their work. 

The awards ceremony is one of the industry's most anticipated annual gatherings. Following the ceremony, guests and award winners come together to celebrate at the After Show Party at Kampnagel. 

Best Young Directing Talent 

One of the evening's most exciting awards, the Best Young Directing Talent recognises the directing work of an outstanding emerging filmmaker and provides a platform for the next generation of creative talent.

Media Award 

The Media Award is presented by an independent jury of journalists from leading trade publications and film media. Drawing on their individual expertise, the jury selects the recipient independently. 

The Giraffe Award 

Die Giraffe recognises the year's most sustainable commercial production. It is presented as part of the evening programme of the German Advertising Film Awards - DWP. 

The AICA 

AICA stands for Artificial Intelligence Creativity Award. Introduced in 2026, the award recognises work in which generative AI has made a clear and meaningful creative contribution to the final production. The award is presented during the Creative Panel – on the morning of the DWP. 

The German Advertising Film Awards – DWP are judged by two independent juries: the Nomination Jury and the Grand Jury. 

The Nomination Jury is made up of appointed members of the German Advertising Film Academy (DWA). From all submissions, they select the top three entries in each award category. For the Best Young Directing Talent category, they shortlist the top ten entries. 

The Grand Jury consists of representatives from the various disciplines of commercial filmmaking (craft), together with an independent Jury President who is not affiliated with the DWA. Based on the shortlisted entries, the Grand Jury selects the winners in each category, which are announced during the awards ceremony.