Licensing Awards 2026 winners announced
The winners of The Licensing Awards 2026 have been announced at a ceremony held in London. More than 1,200 industry executives attended to mark the twentieth anniversary of The Licensing Awards.
Winner of the evening
KPop Demon Hunters was the leading winner of the evening, receiving four awards for Best Licensed Children’s Apparel or Accessories Range, Best Licensed Dress Up or Partyware Range, Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery Range, and Best Film Licensed Property. Paddington received two awards, including Best Licensed Live Event and Best Licensed Giftware, Home Décor, Tableware, or Housewares Range. Primark also received two awards, with Laura Jane Rock named U.K. Rising Star, and Primark winning Best Retailer or Kids’ Licensed Products for the five‑to‑sixteen age group.
Honorary Achievement Award
The evening concluded with the presentation of the 2026 Honorary Achievement Award to Richard North, co‑founder and non‑executive director of WOW! Stuff. North received the award following what License Global describes as an impassioned speech. Brand Licensing Europe was the headline sponsor of the event, with support from Licensing International.
More winners
Among the other winners were Asda, HMV, Pop Mart, and MINISO in the retail categories. Hot Wheels and Formula One won the Best Licensed Toys or Games Range award, while Bluey, Hello Kitty, Stranger Things, Minecraft, Oasis, and Formula One were among the properties recognised in their respective categories. Wallace and Gromit received the Classic Licensed Property Award, while SpongeBob SquarePants won the What Kids Love Award.