Head of Color Lez Rudge Named D&AD Judge for 2026
Lez Rudge, our Head of Color US, has been selected as a member of the jury for the 2026 D&AD Awards in the Visual Effects category. As a colorist and creative director, Lez is known for his artistic precision, mentorship of emerging talent, and ability to elevate narratives through craft.
The 2026 D&AD Awards jury evaluates work across a landscape where creativity continues to evolve rapidly, making the role of the over 300 judges selected this year both influential and impactful. Lez brings his own extensive experience reviewing top-tier global work to the Visual Effects panel, having previously served on juries for AICP, The Gail Awards, and the Webby Awards.
Lez’s own career has been celebrated with major industry accolades – including two Clios for Cologuard 2025, the D&AD Pharma Campaign of the Year, and the Art Directors Club’s Merit Interactive Award in 2025. He also won the One Club Award in 2020 for “PSA for Covenant House,” and a Bronze LIA Award and Clio Award in 2019 for “CM Virus.”
Since their inception in 1962, the D&AD Awards have stood as one of the industry’s career‑defining honors, celebrating groundbreaking creative work. The Awards are known for spotlighting boundary‑pushing projects and setting the benchmark for creative excellence each year.
“Being invited to judge this year is an honor,” says Lez. “Exceptional work comes from teams who pour intention and care into every detail, and I’m excited to celebrate the artists and storytellers who continue to push our industry forward.”
Beyond the excitement, there’s also the expectation about the campaigns to be analyzed. “At this level, I’m looking for work where every technical choice serves the storytelling,” he explains.
“How color, contrast, texture, and light are shaped matters not just for aesthetics, but for emotional clarity and narrative coherence. I’ll be paying attention to the precision of the grade, the consistency of the visual language, and the way craft elevates the audience’s experience.”
About Lez Rudge:
Lez Rudge is a distinguished Colorist, Creative Director, and Director whose artistic vision has shaped the visual language of award-winning commercials, music videos, and films for over two decades. Beginning his career in Singapore, Lez spent six years in Australia before establishing himself in New York City, where he has been a creative force for more than 20 years.
With a foundation in the private sector and a deep understanding of color and storytelling, Lez now leads Color for Havas US. Recently appointed as Head of Color and Group Creative Director at Prose on Pixels (POP) – Havas’ AI-powered global content-at-scale network – he continues to push creative boundaries across media platforms.
Lez is known not only for his ability to find beauty in every frame but also for his dedication to mentoring emerging talent. His global experience and collaborative spirit make him a driving force in fostering innovation and excellence in the industry.
Keep an eye on our socials for more information as we approach the D&AD Awards in May. You can follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for all the latest!
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