Features

The 2025 Anthem Finalists are tackling today’s most pressing issues. In the face of the toughest challenges the industry has seen, they were resilient. Their advocacy exemplifies the power of creative strategy in shaping a positive future for social impact, even in the face of pushback.

In no particular order, explore the leading causes we saw surface among the Finalists of the 5th Annual Anthem Awards. And get involved in supporting their crucial work in the Anthem Community Voice!

Civic Engagement & Democracy 

In a historic election year, campaigns nationwide centered the voter. Teams positioned action as an extension of protecting self, explaining the critical issues on the ballot to encourage voter registration. Teams created educational and inspiring campaigns to fight misinformation.

Both IRL and digital outreach strategies emphasized the importance of protecting democratic institutions. This year also saw a major rise in talent-driven efforts encouraging civic participation, a crucial strategy as speaking out in-support of sociopolitical issues grows divisive.

Health and Advocating for Access 

Ease is coming into view in health. Teams are creating more tech and campaigns to increase healthcare access. This includes both physical and mental health, with emphasis on closing all equity gaps.

We’re noticing an increase in visual work: podcasts, documentaries (even paired with editorials), all about the patient point of view. Media teams and advocacy groups are combatting misinformation by presenting an inside look from everyday people.

Protecting Social Justice and Equity

Focus on racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, and criminal justice reform continues to expand. Finalists are using campaigns that combine storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement to address systemic inequalities and amplify marginalized voices.

Multimedia content, grassroots organizing, and educational campaigns all work to inform audiences, shift perceptions, and inspire action toward lasting equity.

Humanitarian and Crisis Response 

Immediate response efforts are stepping up around the globe, from supporting those affected by wildfires in Los Angeles to relief work in Gaza. Teams are building rapid response systems and disaster relief initiatives to reach refugees, wheelchair users, and other vulnerable populations.

Visual storytelling and advocacy campaigns are making the human impact clear. Media, nonprofits, and creative teams are highlighting everyday heroes and frontline responders, while sharing critical information to support communities in crisis.

Environmental Action and Justice 

Projects are tackling climate change, ocean conservation, sustainable practices, with environmental justice in-view. Teams are connecting big-picture environmental work to local community impact, showing both urgency and hope.

Narratives often lead with hope and actionable change, while reminding urgency and importance of working in community. Podcasts, documentaries, and social campaigns highlight community-driven solutions, sustainable innovation, and the people leading efforts to protect the planet.

Get Involved ▶️

Meet the Finalists of the 5th Annual Anthem Awards, including Andrew Garfield and Sesame Workshop, Rare Beauty, World Central Kitchen, Headspace, Clinton Global Initiative, Google, Water.org, Katie Couric and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, World Wildlife Fund, Lush Cosmetics, Lauren & Seth Rogen and AARP, Spotify, Leah Kateb and PETA, Taco Bell Foundation, The Daily Show, World Economic Forum, and more!

Support the campaigns shaping our world at celebrate.anthemawards.com.