It’s that time of year when the creatives gather in Cannes, France for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. A time where brilliant works of advertising get judged and recognized for their impact, ingenuity, and all around memorability. There were a lot of standouts that are getting Cannes buzz this year. But here are my top five (In no particular order):
Buster the Boxer
How can you not enjoy this sweet, whimsical campaign for John Lewis (adam&eveDDB, London)? It is absolutely charming the whole way through, and triggers every emotion it is supposed to.
Time is Precious
I like this campaign by Nike (Wieden + Kennedy, Portland, Ore.), because its short, simple, and drives home an important message that affects everyone in today’s technological age.
‘Evan’
I’ve written about this PSA by Sandy Hook Promise (BBDO, New York) multiple times, and even though I understand the message from the beginning of the ad, it still draws nostalgia of the first time I watched it. The delivery is SO effective that you will watch it more than once, and still be impacted.
‘Like My Addiction’
While delivering an important message, this campaign was nothing I, nor anyone else, had seen before. Hidden in plain sight, and utilizing social media with such innovation, This campaign was globally successful, and not only managed to hit the main message home, but also spoke to the darker side of social media.
Fearless Girl
I like this piece because of the strong messaging and controversy that swirls around it. It is challenging diversity norms in the workplace, stirring political conversations, celebrating women AND advertising for an index fund that highlights companies with women in senior leadership. Talk about more than a one-trick pony. Whether you like it or hate it, State Street Global Advisors’ ‘Fearless Girl’ (McCann, New York) is taking home some Cannes hardware this year.
Honourable Mention: ‘Cook This Page’
Ikea’s ‘Cook This Page’ (Leo Burnett, Toronto) is just so clever, and so in line with Ikea’s brand (think the illustrated building manuals), that you can’t help but chuckle, and immediately want to try this out!
What are your favourite ‘Cannes-Worthy Ads of 2016? Let us know in the comments below!
stealth