#USA #New York #Barry Manilow #Marlo Thomas #AAF President's Award

Barry Manilow and Marlo Thomas Recognized with 2026 AAF President's Award

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) has announced its distinguished recipients for the 2026 President's Award, recognizing two iconic figures in arts and culture: Barry Manilow and Marlo Thomas. This honor acknowledges their remarkable lifetime contributions to the field of advertising. The award will be presented during the prestigious Advertising Hall of Fame induction ceremony, an event celebrated as "The Biggest Night in Advertising," which will take place in April 2026.

Celebrating a Legacy

The AAF, the leading voice for advertising, made the announcement ahead of Advertising Week New York 2025, illustrating the high regard in which these individuals are held within the advertising community. Barry Manilow, beloved as a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning musician, has left an indelible mark on advertising through his work on memorable jingles. These include notable campaigns for brands such as State Farm, KFC, and McDonald’s. His jingles are not just catchy; they’ve become embedded in our culture, showcasing the power of music and storytelling in marketing.

Manilow’s contributions are not limited to his music; his career began in advertising, where he produced some of the most recognized slogans in history. From “I’m stuck on Band-Aid” to “You deserve a break today,” Manilow’s creations illustrate how effective advertising can be. Having sold over 85 million albums worldwide, he continues to be the top Adult Contemporary Artist according to Billboard, with numerous chart-topping hits over his five-decade-long career.

Marlo Thomas: A Voice of Change

Marlo Thomas complements Manilow’s legacy with her profound influence across multiple platforms as an actress, author, and activist. As the National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, she has spearheaded campaigns that have redefined how advertising can be harnessed for social good. Her initiative, St. Jude Thanks and Giving®, has raised over a billion dollars over the past 20 years, capturing the essence of using narrative to inspire action.

Thomas made history in television as the first single working woman on the show "That Girl," and has since used her platform to champion inclusivity and challenge societal norms. An eight-time New York Times best-selling author, her work demonstrates a commitment to values-based messaging that fosters a more compassionate society through thoughtful advertising.

Impact on the Advertising Landscape

Both Manilow and Thomas have shown that advertising extends beyond mere promotion; it can tell transformative stories that resonate and evoke empathy. The President's Award honors public figures from various fields whose impact significantly contributes to advertising, showcasing the importance of a multidimensional approach within the industry.

On receiving this honor, Barry Manilow expressed his gratitude, sharing, "To be recognized by the American Advertising Federation with the President’s Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful. Advertising gave me one of my very first creative playgrounds..." His reflections highlight the valuable relationship between art and advertising, and how early experiences can shape long-lasting careers.

Marlo Thomas also shared her excitement for the award, noting, "I’ve always embraced my relationship with my advertisers on any project I’ve done as part of the work... the best way to bring them together is through advertising and marketing." Her appreciation for collaborative efforts in advertising illustrates that successful partnerships can lead to remarkable social initiatives.

A Night to Remember

The President's Award ceremony will take place on April 23, 2026, at the Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, promising to be an unforgettable occasion celebrating the significant contributions of both Manilow and Thomas. The AAF will contribute to causes important to each recipient—Manilow supporting the Manilow Music Project, which enhances music education in underfunded schools, and Thomas continuing her dedication to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In a world increasingly driven by shared values, the acknowledgment of these two luminaries reaffirms the pivotal role of advertising in shaping cultural narratives and fostering community engagement. As they prepare to accept the President's Award, both Barry Manilow and Marlo Thomas serve as reminders of the profound impact that creativity and compassion can have in the advertising industry—and beyond.