Austin
Barbera

about the jury

Austin Barbera is the co-founder and managing director of SixTwentySix, an award-winning LA-based creative studio rooted in cinematic craft and cultural relevance. Alongside partner Jake Krask, he was named a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Advertising & Marketing, a recognition of their creative leadership and growing influence in global production. Under Austin’s leadership, SixTwentySix has collaborated with leading brands including Amazon, Netflix, Google, Nike, Coca-Cola, AMEX, and Adidas, as well as top agencies such as Artists Equity, FCB Chicago, Virtue, Mother LA, Commonwealth/McCann, YARD NYC, and TBWA\Chiat\Day. The studio’s portfolio spans music videos for artists like Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, and Megan Thee Stallion. 

SixTwentySix’s work has been featured in Ad Age, Adweek, Billboard, People Magazine, and more, earning accolades from the MTV VMAs, The Webby Awards, Berlin Commercial, The Clio Awards, One Club for Creativity, CICLOPE, and the 1.4 Awards. Austin continues to lead a director-first roster that delivers standout work across music videos, advertising, and branded content for millennial and Gen-Z audiences worldwide.