Vivid Sydney 2025 has taken out 24 accolades at the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards.

Winners were announced on 22 September 2025 during the 70th Anniversary of the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo in Palm Springs, California, United States.

The Pinnacle Awards Competition recognises the outstanding accomplishments of festivals and events from around the world and is regarded as the gold standard of achievement for the global festivals and events industry.

Awards were presented across 64 categories, honouring excellence in areas such as Marketing & Communications (TV, Radio, Social Media, Print), Merchandising, Sponsorship, Accessibility, Emergency Preparedness, Children’s Programming, Educational Outreach and more.

IFEA President & CEO Steven Wood Schmader said: “We’re proud to celebrate this major milestone with our 30th year of the Pinnacle Awards.

“These awards showcase the incredible innovation, passion, and dedication of festival and event professionals around the world.

"The Pinnacle Awards not only set the standard for excellence in our industry — they help elevate and inspire new ideas and best practices across all budgets and locations.”

Vivid Sydney 2025 won 17 Gold awards, six Silver and one Bronze at the 2025 IFEAs.

Gold

  • Best TV Promotion
  • Best Single Social Video
  • Best Event Website
  • Best Instagram Site
  • Best Single Digital/Social Ad
  • Best Digital/Social Ad Series
  • Best Printed Materials (Single Page)
  • Best Single Newspaper Display Ad
  • Best Outdoor Billboard/Signage
  • Best Installation/Wrap
  • Best Street Banner
  • Best Sponsor Activation (Samsung – Space to Dream)
  • Best Overall Sponsorship Program
  • Best Accessibility Program
  • Best Overall Entertainment Program
  • Best Event/Program to Benefit a Cause (Our Shared Dream) (Tie)
  • Best Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management Plan

Silver

  • Grand Pinnacle
  • Best Video Promotion (Tie)
  • Best Multimedia Component
  • Best Event/Organisation E-Newsletter
  • Best Promotional Poster
  • Best Volunteer Program

Bronze

  • Best Event (Within an Existing Festival) – Hollywood Dreaming

Vivid Sydney 2025 reaffirmed its place as the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival and Australia's largest event from 23 May to 14 June.

This year's theme of Dream didn't just illuminate Sydney's iconic buildings and landmarks - it awakened the collective imagination of millions of visitors, both locally and abroad.