2026 Golden Link Awards Finalists Announced

The 2026 Golden Link Awards finalists have officially been announced, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this year’s nominees at Rakuten Optimism. As one of the most anticipated moments of the event, the 2026 Golden Link Awards will recognize standout achievements across affiliate, partnership, and performance marketing.

This year, the Golden Link Awards will take place live on the main stage during night one of Rakuten Optimism on May 5, 2026. Below, you’ll find the full list of 2026 Golden Link Awards finalists, along with details about the celebration and what to expect from this unforgettable evening.

Step back in time with us and join the Secret Society of Optimists at the Golden Age Gala. Inspired by the rich history of the Arizona Biltmore, the evening will feature a color palette of black, gold, ivory, and emerald, along with a semi-formal dress code. Guests will enjoy both strolling and stationary entertainment throughout the night.

Get ready for an evening of celebration, surprises, and old-world glamour, where elegance meets extraordinary. Seating is limited, so be sure to register for Rakuten Optimism and select the Golden Link Awards session.

2026 Golden Link Awards Finalists

Best Influencer Campaign

• Bloomingdale’s & ShopMy
• Collable Partners & FOREO
• Leatherology & Autumn Communications
• Net-a-porter & Split
• Shopbop and Kreatornow
• Urban Outfitters & LTK

Best Campaign Optimization

• Boost Mobile
• Dyson & Capital One Shopping
• Free People
• Giftcards.com & Cartera
• GNC & Capital One Shopping
• LendingClub
• 1-800 Contacts & SmileKOLs 

Best Global Campaign

• Celebrity Cruises
• Diesel & SPRNV
• H&M & LTK
• LEGO
• SHEIN & ShopBack
• Silver Jeans & Upsellit

 Best Collaboration

• Ashley & Capital One Shopping
• Expedia & Rakuten Rewards
• Hulu & PMC
• La Mer & Dealmoon
• Men’s Wearhouse & Linkby
• Sam’s Club & RevLifter
• SoFi & Rakuten Rewards
• Tory Burch & Chase Media Solutions

Best Collaboration with Rakuten

• American Eagle
• Bilt
• Bloomingdale’s
• Dermstore
• MANGO
• Sephora

 Affiliate Team of the Year

• Cash App
• JP Morgan Chase & Co.
• Scheels
• Sephora

 Advertiser of the Year

• Giftcards.com
• H&M
• JD Sports
• Sam’s Club
• Sephora
• Sixt Car Rental
• Ulta

Publisher of the Year

• Capital One Ad Solutions
• Dealmoon
• QuinStreet
• Skimlinks
• Upsellit

Lifetime Achievement Award, Top Performing New Advertiser

The winners of our Lifetime Achievement and Top Performing New Advertiser Awards will be announced live at the end of the Rakuten Optimism Golden Link Awards!

We also have to give an enormous shout-out to our esteemed panel of industry judges. Every year, these judges read through every single nomination to select a winner:

• Tricia Meyer – Executive Director of the Performance Marketing Association
• Melissa Campanelli – Co-Founder, Women in Retail Leadership Circle
• Michael McNerney – Founder and Publisher of MarTech Record

We can’t wait to see you at Rakuten Optimism for the 2026 Golden Link Awards, where we’ll celebrate this year’s finalists and announce the winners live.