Hasan Minhaj to Receive Advertising Federation's Cultural Force Award

Comedian, writer, and producer Hasan Minhaj will receive the American Advertising Federation's (AAF) 2026 Cultural Force Award. The award, introduced in 2023, honors a public figure outside the advertising industry whose work has shaped how brands market and connect with consumers.

Minhaj is known for his work in comedy, politics, and media. His Netflix film "Best of the Best," which he co-wrote and stars in, premiered globally in September 2026. He has also been a notable collaborator in advertising, notably serving as the face of Adobe's Acrobat campaign and appearing in Adobe's branded comedy series "The Marketers" as a marketing executive.

"The Cultural Force Award is reserved for individuals who have not only shaped culture, but challenged it, pushing conversations forward, redefining narratives, and leaving audiences thinking a little deeper. Hasan's work has consistently done exactly that," said Steve Pacheco, President & CEO of the AAF. "Whether unpacking complex social issues, questioning systems of power, or simply reminding us that the right storytelling has the power to cut through noise -- he's created a voice that resonates far beyond entertainment."

Minhaj will be presented with the award on November 19 in New York City, alongside this year's inductees into the AAF's Advertising Hall of Achievement. Sponsors for the event include LinkedIn, Google, and TikTok.