A cinematic launch blending storytelling and innovation, Mazda’s latest CX-5 campaign debuts during the Oscars, showcasing versatility through five distinct film genres
Mazda has introduced its all-new 2026 CX-5 with a bold and cinematic campaign that reimagines the traditional vehicle launch. Titled “5 Sides of the All-New CX-5,” the campaign debuted its trailer during the Oscars broadcast on March 15, setting the tone for a storytelling-driven approach inspired by Hollywood filmmaking.
At the heart of the campaign lies a series of five short films, each rooted in a different genre: romance, action, science fiction, musical, and horror. Together, they present a multi-dimensional narrative that mirrors the evolving lifestyles of modern consumers. Rather than focusing solely on specifications, the campaign positions the CX-5 as a companion to life’s varied moments and experiences.
Developed in partnership with global creative network WPP, the campaign blends entertainment with brand storytelling. The films star rising actor Jessamie Waldon-Day, who appears as the same character navigating different cinematic worlds. Each scenario highlights a unique aspect of her life, subtly demonstrating how the redesigned CX-5 adapts to different needs and moods.
The visual storytelling is elevated by acclaimed director Paul Hunter and Academy Award-winning cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema, bringing a distinctly cinematic quality to the project. Their involvement underscores Mazda’s ambition to create more than just an advertisement—it is a film-driven experience designed to resonate emotionally with audiences.
The new CX-5 itself reflects this philosophy of versatility. With enhanced interior space, improved connectivity, and refined driver control, the vehicle is designed to support a wide range of lifestyles. Mazda’s approach places the driver at the center, aligning with its broader mission of creating meaningful, human-centric mobility experiences.
Mazda’s collaboration extends beyond storytelling into talent development. As part of the initiative, the company partnered with the Academy Gold program, a professional development platform by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Emerging filmmakers were invited to observe the production, interact with industry professionals, and gain firsthand experience on a large-scale film set.
This mentorship component was further amplified through a collaboration with Disney CreativeWorks, which documented the behind-the-scenes journey. These short-form features, highlighting both mentors and mentees, are being shared across digital and social platforms in the lead-up to and following the Oscars, adding depth and authenticity to the campaign.
Participants from the Academy Gold program described the experience as transformative, offering rare insight into high-level filmmaking. The initiative reflects Mazda’s commitment not only to innovation in automotive design but also to fostering creativity and supporting the next generation of storytellers.
To ensure maximum visibility, the campaign is supported by a comprehensive cross-platform media strategy. The rollout includes high-impact placements across streaming and social platforms such as Hulu, YouTube, TikTok, X, Meta, and Reddit. This integrated approach is designed to make the CX-5 highly visible and culturally relevant during its launch window.
Much like a blockbuster film release, the campaign builds anticipation with its trailer, setting the stage for the full series of films scheduled to debut in early April. By aligning the launch with one of the entertainment industry’s most-watched events, Mazda has effectively positioned the CX-5 at the intersection of automotive innovation and cinematic storytelling.
Founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda continues to emphasize craftsmanship, innovation, and human-centered design. Through this campaign, the brand reinforces its commitment to enriching life in motion—not just through engineering, but through experiences that connect with audiences on a deeper, more emotional level.
