Yesterday wasn’t just about football. The Super Bowl has officially evolved into a massive film festival crammed into thirty-second slots. Viewers witnessed an unprecedented parade of Hollywood royalty, chart-topping musicians, and comedy legends taking over the commercial breaks.
Marketing teams spent millions to grab your attention during the big game. The result was a cinematic collision of high art and consumer products that might have actually overshadowed the action on the field. If you missed the broadcast, we have the complete breakdown of the stars who defined this year’s advertising blitz.
Cinema Giants Steal the Spotlight
The most talking point of the night came from an unexpected collaboration. Grubhub hired surrealist director Yorgos Lanthimos to helm their spot featuring George Clooney. The commercial ditched standard food imagery for a moody and artistic narrative. It was a risky move that brought arthouse cinema aesthetics to a delivery app.
Uber Eats also swung for the fences with a heavy-hitting trio. Bradley Cooper, Matthew McConaughey, and Parker Posey shared the screen in what felt more like an Oscar clip than a food delivery ad. The chemistry between Cooper and McConaughey provided a grounded and gritty texture that stood out against the brighter commercials.
Key Cinematic Collaborations:
- Michelob Ultra: Featured screen legend Kurt Russell alongside Lewis Pullman.
- Pepsi: Directed by and starring Taika Waititi in his signature whimsical style.
- Oakley/Meta: Spike Lee directed Marshawn Lynch in a visually distinct spot.
These brands are no longer just selling products. They are selling mini-movies. The production value has skyrocketed to a level where the line between content and commercial is completely blurred.
kurt russell sabrina carpenter super bowl 2026 commercial highlights
Pop Culture Icons and Musical Powerhouses
Music stars dominated the snack and beverage categories this year. Sabrina Carpenter brought her signature wit and charm to Pringles. The pop sensation used her comedic timing to turn a simple chip commercial into a viral moment that is already trending across social platforms.
Meanwhile, poppi continued its rise in the soda market by tapping Charli XCX and Rachel Sennott. This duo captured the specific chaotic energy of internet culture perfectly. It was a smart play to connect with younger demographics who live on TikTok and Instagram.
We also saw massive global reach from Nintendo. The Pokémon company celebrated its legacy with a truly international cast.
The Pokémon Global Roster:
| Celebrity | Known For |
|---|---|
| Lady Gaga | Pop Icon / Actress |
| Trevor Noah | Comedy / Hosting |
| Jisoo | K-Pop (Blackpink) |
| Lamine Yamal | Football Star |
| Charles Leclerc | Formula 1 Driver |
This specific commercial highlighted how gaming culture has united entertainment spheres from every corner of the globe. Seeing Lady Gaga and Charles Leclerc in the same universe was a crossover event nobody expected.
Comedy Legends Bring the Laughs
Humor remains the safest bet for Super Bowl Sunday. Brands leaned heavily on established funny people to deliver punchlines that land in seconds. Tim Robinson starred in a spot for Rippling. The I Think You Should Leave creator brought his trademark shouting and awkward intensity to the world of HR software. It was loud, jarring, and arguably the funniest thirty seconds of the night.
Ben Stiller teamed up with singer Benson Boone for Instacart. The pairing seemed odd on paper but worked surprisingly well on screen. Stiller played the straight man to Boone’s energetic antics. It proved that cross-generational comedy is a winning formula for household brands.
Other Standout Comedy Spots:
- DraftKings: Colin Jost and Michael Che traded barbs.
- Hellmann’s: Andy Samberg and Elle Fanning got weird with mayonnaise.
- Homes.com: Heidi Gardner and Jeff Goldblum mixed quirkiness with real estate.
- e.l.f. Cosmetics: Melissa McCarthy brought physical comedy to makeup.
Danny McBride led a massive ensemble for State Farm. The insurance giant packed Hailee Steinfeld, Keegan-Michael Key, and even Jon Bon Jovi into a single narrative. It felt like a chaotic sitcom pilot squeezed into a commercial break.
Nostalgia and Tech Innovation
Technology brands used nostalgia to soften their futuristic edges. Amazon Alexa+ brought in Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky for a humorous look at smart home life. The relatable domestic struggle played out by superstars made the tech feel more accessible.
Bosch took a different route by hiring Guy Fieri. The “Mayor of Flavortown” brought high energy to power tools and appliances. It was a loud and colorful break from the sleek minimalism usually seen in tech advertising.
Turbo Tax utilized Adrien Brody to add a touch of sophistication to tax season. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo tapped Marcello Hernández to inject fresh energy into banking. These financial institutions realized that dry numbers don’t work on Super Bowl Sunday. You need personality to stop people from going to the kitchen during the break.
Even Kellogg’s got in on the action. William Shatner appeared for Raisin Bran, proving that some faces are simply timeless on television.
The 2026 Super Bowl commercials proved one thing definitively. Brands are no longer satisfied with catchy jingles. They want Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys talent power. They want to be the main event. Based on the chatter online today, they might have succeeded.
Which commercial was your favorite? Did the artistic Clooney spot work for you, or did Tim Robinson make you laugh the hardest? Let us know in the comments below. If you are discussing the ads on social media, make sure to use the hashtag #SuperBowlAds2026 to join the global conversation.
