Instagram has officially revealed the recipients of its 2026 Rings awards, recognizing 25 creators globally for their cultural impact, creative risk-taking, and originality. Entering its second year, the initiative highlights figures across diverse disciplines such as fashion, sports, comedy, music, and visual arts.
Among the 2026 honorees are two Indian creators: fashion model Bhavitha Mandava and freestyle footballer Muhammed Riswan. Mandava gained international prominence after becoming the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show following her discovery by designer Matthieu Blazy. Riswan, based in Kerala, has established a global digital presence by showcasing freestyle football, elevating the visibility of the sport’s community in India.
The broader roster includes prominent international figures such as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, comedian Jordan Firstman, rapper Little Simz, footwear and industrial designer Salehe Bembury, and photographer Renell Medrano.
Initially launched to honor creators who take significant creative chances, the Rings award evaluates individuals whose work influences broader cultural conversations beyond social media platforms. According to Instagram, the award aims to highlight the process of creative expression—including the perseverance and trial required to develop unconventional ideas—rather than focusing solely on finished output or specific content formats.
The selection of the 2026 winners was overseen by an international panel of 14 judges across various creative sectors. The panel featured:
- Fashion & Design: Donatella Versace, Emily Adams Bode Aujla, Salehe Bembury, and Will Welch
- Music & Performance: A$AP Rocky, FINNEAS, and Charm La’Donna
- Film & Literature: Chloé Zhao and Jack Edwards
- Visual Arts & Beauty: OSGEMEOS and Isamaya Ffrench
- Sports & Culinary Arts: Mikaela Shiffrin and Vikas Khanna
- Platform Leadership: Adam Mosseri and Eva Chen
In addition to serving on the judging panel, American fashion designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla designed the physical ring presented to each honoree. Centered on the concept of agency and fortune, the piece features a four-leaf clover carved from Connemara marble, symbolizing the idea that proactive exploration and creative intuition shape an individual’s opportunities.
Instagram plans to publish the complete list of all 25 winners across its official channels later this month.