cREATIVITY

IS THE HERO OF

EFFECTIVENESS

AWARD-WINNING

CREATIVITY

THAT DELIVERS

AWARD-WINNING

RESULTS

HERO is an award-winning independent creative agency in Australia, recognised around the world for creativity that delivers results.

From Cannes Lions and D&AD to the Effies, WINA, One Show, Spikes Asia, New York Festivals, Mumbrella, AdNews and B&T, our work has been recognised by the industry’s biggest awards. In 2026, HERO ranked #2 globally at the WINA Awards, the first Australian agency ever to reach the global top two. In 2025, we ranked #6 globally, making HERO the first Australian agency to enter WINA’s global Top 10.

Our globally awarded brand platforms span automotive, FMCG, fashion, wellbeing, government and retail. From Toyota and Mastercard to Maybelline, Fujifilm, L’Oréal and Bakers Delight, we create brand platforms and campaigns that connect Logic + Lightning: the rigour of evidence-based marketing with the creative ideas that make brands impossible to ignore.

All developed hand-in-hand with our clients by a globally-awarded team under the creative leadership of Ben Lilley, Andrew Woodhead and Susan Young.

That’s the benefit of working with an independent: direct access to the strategic and creative leaders doing the work, to deliver better work, every time. Best of all, not only is more creative work more effective.

It’s also more fun.

UNDERPINNED BY

THE RIGOUR, DATA AND SCIENCE OF

EHRENBERG-BASS

MARKETING SCIENCE

Our results are underpinned by Logic + Lightning: the rigour of evidence-based marketing science from the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, paired with the creative craft recognised across the awards below. You can read more about our strategic approach here.

HERO AGENCY AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
ADVERTISING RANKINGS, AWARDS AND CAMPAIGN RESULTS

2026 HERO Awards and Recognition

WINA Awards

  • HERO: #1 Australian Agency, WINA Awards 2026

  • HERO: #2 Global Agency, WINA Awards 2026

  • HERO: First Australian agency to rank in the global WINA Top 2

  • HERO: Grand Prix, Interactive Branded Content, Mastercard Transit Tales

  • HERO: Gold, Interactive Branded Content, Mastercard Transit Tales

  • HERO: Gold, Interactive Tools, Mastercard Transit Tales

  • HERO: Bronze, Digital Content, Mastercard Transit Tales

  • HERO: Bronze, AI Craft, Mastercard Transit Tales

Global WOO Awards

  • HERO: Grand Prix, Technical Innovation Award, Mastercard Transit Tales

OMA Awards

  • HERO: Finalist, Innovation in Outdoor, Mastercard Transit Tales

Mumbrella Awards

  • HERO: Finalist, Independent Agency of the Year

  • HERO: Finalist, Creative Excellence in AI and Emerging Tech, Mastercard Transit Tales

  • HERO: Finalist, Best Use of Data and Insight in Marketing, Mastercard Transit Tales

AI Global Media Innovator Awards

  • HERO: Finalist, Global Media Innovator of the Year

Campaign Brief

  • HERO: Top 10 Campaign Brief National Hot List 2026

  • HERO: #2, Medium Agency of the Year, Campaign Brief National Hot List 2026

Global 100 Rankings

  • HERO: Best Marketing & Advertising Firm of the Year, Australia, Global 100 Rankings 2026

2025 HERO Awards and Recognition

WINA Awards

  • HERO: #1 Australian Agency, WINA Awards 2025

  • HERO: #6 Global Agency, WINA Awards 2025

  • HERO: First Australian agency to rank in the global WINA Top 10

  • HERO: Grand Prix, Media / Alternative Media, Toyota C-HR Diamond Collection

  • HERO: Gold, Promo Activation, Toyota C-HR Diamond Collection

  • HERO: Silver, Innovation / Product Innovation, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

  • HERO: Bronze, Alternative Media, Toyota C-HR Diamond Collection

  • HERO: Special Mention, Innovation, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

Cannes Lions

  • HERO: Shortlist, Digital Craft, AI Storytelling, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

D&AD

  • HERO: Shortlist, Craft AI Storytelling, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

The One Show

  • HERO: Merit, AI Storytelling, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

The One Show Asia

  • HERO: Silver, AI Storytelling, Mastercard Transit Tales

  • HERO: Silver, Audio Experiential, Mastercard Transit Tales

  • HERO: Bronze, AI Experiential, Mastercard Transit Tales

Spikes Asia

  • HERO: Silver, Digital Craft, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

  • HERO: Bronze, Creative Use of Data, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

  • HERO: Bronze, Digital Craft Use of AI, Toyota C-HR Diamond Collection

  • HERO: Finalist, PR, Toyota C-HR Diamond Collection

AdFest

  • HERO: Bronze, Creative Use of AI, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

Australian Screen Awards

  • HERO: Gold, Best Music, Toyota C-HR Diamond Collection

Campaign Brief

  • HERO: Winner, Medium Agency of the Year

AdNews

  • HERO: Finalist, Indie Agency of the Year

  • HERO: Finalist, Best Use of AI & Technology, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

  • HERO: Finalist, Best Use of AI & Technology, Mastercard Transit Tales

B&T Awards

  • HERO: Finalist, Best Use of Technology, Fujifilm Instax Mindography

The Work

  • HERO: 17 acceptances across Work for Good, Integrated, Experiential + Immersive, Intellectual Property + Products, PR, AI + Virtual Reality, Data - Creative Use + Infographics, and Social Media

  • HERO: Work recognised for Toyota C-HR Diamond Collection, Fujifilm Instax Mindography, Maybelline Under the Avatar, Maybelline Through Their Eyes and other campaigns

2024 HERO Awards and Recognition

New York Festivals

  • HERO: 2024 Australian Agency of the Year

  • HERO: Gold, Purpose - Mental Health, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Gold, The Future Now: Best Use - Gaming, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Silver, Public Relations: Best Use - Social / Environment Good Brand, Maybelline New York Under the Avatar

  • HERO: Finalist, Social Media & Influencer: Best Use - Social / Environment Good Brand, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Finalist, Public Relations: Products & Services: Other, Maybelline New York Under the Avatar

MADC

  • HERO: Winner, Digital & Social, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Winner, Difference for Difference, Toyota Australia Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Winner, Emerging Creative of the Year, Charlotte Smith

The One Show

  • HERO: Merit, Gaming for Good, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

Media Federation of Australia

  • HERO: Grand Prix, Best Long-Term Results, Maybelline New York

Webby Awards

  • HERO: Nominee, Social Video, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Nominee, Social Impact, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

Spikes Asia

  • HERO: Bronze, Diversity & Inclusion - Gaming, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Finalist, Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

Campaign Brief

  • HERO: Winner, Medium Agency of the Year

AiMCO

  • HERO: Winner, Most Influential Brand / Industry, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Winner, Best Entertainment / Gaming Campaign, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

Award Awards

  • HERO: Finalist, Brand Innovation - Brand Engagement, Toyota Australia Find Your Drive

  • HERO: Finalist, Strategy - Creative Strategy, Maybelline New York Through Their Eyes

Interior Design Excellence Awards

  • HERO: Highly Commended, HERO HOUSE

Australian Interior Design Awards

  • HERO: Shortlist, HERO HOUSE

INDE.Awards

  • HERO: Shortlist, HERO HOUSE

2023 HERO Awards and Recognition

Cannes Lions

  • HERO: Silver, Social and Influencer, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Finalist, Film Craft, Toyota Metalmorphosis

D&AD

  • HERO: Shortlist, Gaming & Virtual Worlds, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Shortlist, Animation Mixed Media, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Shortlist, Production Design Animated Film, Toyota Metalmorphosis

Gerety Awards

  • HERO: Silver, Work for Good Cut, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

Shots Awards

  • HERO: Gold, Production & Styling, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Bronze, Direction 61 Seconds - 3 Minutes, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Bronze, Sound Design, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Finalist, Cinematography Above 2 Minutes, Toyota Metalmorphosis

Award Awards

  • HERO: Gold, Social Media, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Gold, Digital Integrated, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Silver, Experiential, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Silver, Branded Content & Entertainment, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Silver, Social Media, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Bronze, Craft, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Bronze, Illustration, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Bronze, Sound Design, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Finalist, Craft, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Finalist, Creativity for Good, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

MAD STARS

  • HERO: Grand Prix, Viral Video, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Silver, Social & Influencer, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Silver, Entertainment, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Silver, Film, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Bronze, Film Craft - Sound, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Bronze, Film Craft - Animation, Centrum The Chewables

  • HERO: Crystal, Film, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Crystal, Entertainment, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Crystal, Film - Direction, Toyota Metalmorphosis

  • HERO: Crystal, Brand Experience & Activation, eBay Museum of Authentics

  • HERO: Crystal, PR, eBay Museum of Authentics

  • HERO: Crystal, Media, eBay Museum of Authentics

B&T Awards

  • HERO: Shortlist, Victoria Agency of the Year

  • HERO: Shortlist, Queensland Agency of the Year

  • HERO: Shortlist, Best Digital Campaign, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Shortlist, Best Use of Social Media, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Shortlist, Best Integrated Campaign, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Shortlist, Award for Bravery, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Shortlist, Award for Diversity, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

Caples Awards

  • HERO: Silver, Gaming, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Bronze, Radical New Strategy, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Shortlist, Branded Content, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

  • HERO: Shortlist, Health and Wellness, Maybelline Through Their Eyes

2022 HERO Awards and Recognition

APAC Effies

  • HERO: #1 Australian Independent Agency of the Year

  • HERO: #1 APAC Regional Independent Agency of the Year

  • HERO: Gold, Government, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Gold, Positive Change, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Silver, Small Budget Services, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Bronze, Government, WorkSafe It's Never You Until It Is

  • HERO: Commendation, Special Grand Prix, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

Caples Awards

  • HERO: Bronze, Film, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Bronze, Radical New Strategy, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Shortlist, Health, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Shortlist, Innovation, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Shortlist, Innovation, Mastercard Virtual Fan

B&T Awards

  • HERO: Winner, Award for Bravery, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Winner, Award for Technology, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Finalist, Award for Best Digital, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Finalist, Award for Best Content, Queensland Police Service You're Made For It

  • HERO: Finalist, Best Regional Media Campaign, WorkSafe It's Never You Until It Is

MADC

  • HERO: Winner, Film, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

BADC

  • HERO: Silver, Online, Aveo Care Conversations

  • HERO: Bronze, Integrated Digital Campaign, City of Gold Coast Wonder Reef

  • HERO: Finalist, Poster Advertising - Campaign, Coorparoo Square Brisbane Record Fair

  • HERO: Finalist, Branded Content, Queensland Police Service You're Made For It

AdNews

  • HERO: Finalist, The Game Changer Award, Menulog Snackdown! State of Origin

  • HERO: Finalist, Media Campaign of the Year Award, Menulog Snackdown! State of Origin

2021 HERO Awards and Recognition

Australian Effie Awards

  • HERO: #1 Independent Agency of the Year

  • HERO: Bronze, Brand Value, Menulog Snoop

  • HERO: Bronze, Retail / Etail, Menulog Snoop

AdNews

  • HERO: Winner, Social Media Campaign of the Year, Menulog #DeliveryDance

  • HERO: Winner, The Game Changer Award, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Finalist, The AdNews Effectiveness Award, Menulog Slays the Food Delivery Giant

Mumbrella Awards

  • HERO: Winner, Mumbrella Award for Bravery, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Highly Commended, Mumbrella Award for Insight, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Highly Commended, Mumbrella Award for Innovation, Victoria Police Senior Constable Laurie Fox

  • HERO: Highly Commended, Industry Leader of the Year, Ben Lilley, Founder, HERO

  • HERO: Finalist, Ad Campaign of the Year, Menulog Integrated Campaign

  • HERO: Finalist, Emerging Agency of the Year

The One Show

  • HERO: Shortlist, Moving Image Craft, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Shortlist, Creative Effectiveness, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Shortlist, Direct Marketing, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Shortlist, Interactive & Online Craft, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Shortlist, PR, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Shortlist, Digital Craft, Victoria Police

Webby Awards

  • HERO: Nominee, Media / PR / Craft, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Honouree, Corporate Social Responsibility Campaign, Victoria Police

Award Awards

  • HERO: Gold, Film, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Bronze, Craft, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Finalist, Health & Wellness, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Finalist, PR, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Finalist, Brand Innovation, Victoria Police

Ad Stars

  • HERO: Silver, Film, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Silver, PR, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Silver, Branded Content, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Bronze, Direct, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Bronze, Film Craft, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Crystal, PSA Healthcare, Victoria Police

  • HERO: Finalist, Social & Influencer, Victoria Police