Organized by the Institute for Art and Olfaction, the awards recognized outstanding achievement in artisan, experimental and independent scent creation through a rigorous three-stage blind judging process conducted by an international panel of experts.Institute for Art and Olfaction
“This year’s winners and finalists demonstrate the extraordinary creative potential of independent and experimental perfumery,” said Saskia Wilson-Brown. The ceremony showcased a diverse group of finalists and winners representing a wide range of cultural perspectives, olfactory traditions and artistic approaches from around the globe.
2026 Winners
Artisan Category Winners
One of the Artisan Category Winners: Aethi Opum, Maya Njie, Maya Njie (Perfumer)Maya Njie
- Death By Vanity, Rivendare, David Clarke (Perfumer)
One of the Artisan Category winners: Aethi Opum, Maya Njie, Maya Njie (Perfumer; pictured)Maya Njie, Maya
- Aethi Opum, Maya Njie, Maya Njie (Perfumer)
One of the Artisan Category Winners: Death By Vanity, Rivendare, David Clarke (Perfumer)Rivendare
Independent Category Winners
- Nuit Élastique, Première Peau, Ugo Charron (Perfumer) for Pierre Mergui (CD)
- Ici, le pas s’arrête, Terra•T, Kaiwei Hsieh (Perfumer) for Terrence Chen (CD)
Sadakichi Award for Experimental Work with Scent
- Goavve-Geabbil (Hyundai Commission), Máret Ánne Sara (Artist), Nadjib Achaibou (Perfumer)
Newcomer Award Winner
Newcomer Award Winner: Water Moon, Oneiros, Anh Ngo (Perfumer, IFF) for Thanh Dang (CD)Oneiros
- Water Moon, Oneiros, Anh Ngo (Perfumer, IFF) for Thanh Dang (CD)
Newcomer Award Winner: Water Moon, Oneiros, Anh Ngo (Perfumer, IFF; pictured) for Thanh Dang (CD)IFF
Contribution to Scent Culture Award Winner
- Grant Osborne, for Basenotes
Septimus Piesse Visionary Award
- L’Osmothèque
People’s Choice: Artisan Category: Dandelion Butter, Clue Perfumery, Laura Oberwetter (perfumer), with Caleb Vanden Boom Clue
People’s Choice: Artisan Category
- Dandelion Butter, Clue Perfumery, Laura Oberwetter (perfumer), with Caleb Vanden Boom
People’s Choice: Independent Category
- Verdant, Ilé Olomu, Andreas Wilhelm (perfumer) for Bawo Ijirigho (CD)
People’s Choice: Independent Category winner: Verdant, Ilé Olomu, Andreas Wilhelm (perfumer) for Bawo Ijirigho (CD)Ilé Olomu
Held against the backdrop of Athens and the Acropolis, the event underscored the growing international influence of independent fragrance creation. Looking ahead, Wilson-Brown announced that the 13th Annual Art and Olfaction Awards will take place in Mexico City in May 2027, further expanding the program’s commitment to global dialogue and cross-cultural exchange in perfumery. Submissions for the next awards cycle will open in late September 2026 for fragrances and olfactory projects launched during the 2026 calendar year.
