SMUGGLER

USA Today: Henry-Alex Rubin’s American Icons for Budweiser has topped the USA Today Ad Meter following Super Bowl LX. It marks Budweiser’s tenth Ad Meter victory and Rubin’s third consecutive Super Bowl commercial for the brand.

Campaign: Tom Speers directs Waitrose’s latest brand film, “The Gastronaut”, in collaboration with Wonderhood Studios, delivering a tongue-in-cheek sci-fi story. Leaning into the genre’s scale and language, the campaign follows an astronaut whose longing for real meals becomes impossible to ignore. It’s a playful reminder that even the furthest journey wouldn’t stop a food lover coming home for the right meal.

Deadline: Buena Vista Social Club continues its award-winning run with a 2026 Grammy Award win for Best Musical Theater Album. The honor celebrates the show’s electrifying music and musicianship, spotlighting the extraordinary artists behind its sound and further cementing its place among Broadway’s most celebrated productions.

Ad Age: Henry-Alex Rubin reunites with Budweiser in Super Bowl LX in “American Icons”, marking the brand’s 150th anniversary with a cinematic tribute to American heritage. Set to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Free Bird, the spot pairs a Clydesdale with a young bald eagle, unfolding a wordless story of trust and companionship. This continues Rubin’s long-running collaboration with Budweiser, and his third consecutive Super Bowl commercial. 

Little Black Book: Ivan Zachariáš directs a new Dos Equis film that brings the Most Interesting Man back into the spotlight. The character returns out of sync with the world, having slipped from cultural icon to the self-described “Least Most Interesting Man” after nearly a decade away. Told as the character’s first narrative spot, the film fills in the missing years and charts his return to form. 

Deadline: Chris Smith is set to direct a multi-part docuseries for Apple exploring the life and career of tennis legend Andre Agassi. Produced by Smith’s Library Films, the series will chart Agassi’s rise, fall, and resurgence, drawing on the personal revelations that made his memoir Open a landmark in sports storytelling. The project continues Smith’s run of character-driven documentaries, following recent films including Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond, Wham!, and Devo.

Fast Company: Mark Molloy and the team bring the richly textured world of A Critter Carol to life through fully practical, handcrafted artistry. Blending puppetry, miniature sets, and tactile in-camera techniques, the film creates a warm, holiday universe brought to life with meticulous detail and human touch. In an era dominated by digital tools, the piece highlights the power of craft, showing how physical materials, stop-motion influences, and hands-on design shape the emotional depth of Apple’s holiday storytelling.

Ad Age: Miles Jay earned multiple honors in Ad Age’s “25 Best Ads of 2025,” with his OpenAI films “Dish,” “Pull-Up,” and “Road Trip” recognized for their subtle craft and human-centered storytelling. Created with Isle of Any, the ChatGPT films spotlight the small, meaningful moments that shape everyday life. Continuing the recognition, Jay’s film “Secret Santa” for Facebook and Droga5 was also selected for the list, reintroducing the platform with a lived-in, emotionally resonant story. Together, these pieces showcase his ability to bring real emotional depth to even the smallest details.

Variety: Apple’s holiday film “A Critter Carol,” directed by Mark Molloy, brings a handcrafted warmth to the season. Shot entirely on the iPhone 17 Pro, the spot follows a group of handmade woodland puppets who record a charming musical message about friendship. Molloy’s emphasis on tactile, puppetry-driven storytelling gives the film its signature heart, highlighting his commitment to craft and emotional simplicity.