David Droga Still Has Faith in Advertising, Even If You Don't

He opens Cannes Lions by bidding farewell to bad ads

Experience ADWEEK House at Cannes, June 16-19. We’re celebrating 45 years of reporting with Now and Next—a creative opportunity for brands to define who they are and their future in the industry. Register .

CANNES, France—”Advertising’s not going away. Really shitty advertising is going away, and I bid that farewell,” said David Droga in opening a “smaller” but “more condensed” Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity for 2018.

After delivering an emotionally-fueled speech to accept the Lion of St. Mark award last year, the Droga5 founder and chairman took a notably more subdued tone this time. He started with lightly sarcastic commentary on topics as far afield as Martin Sorrell (“now an underdog, whoever knew”), Publicis (“they boycotted the festival, but there are more Publicis people here and all their stuff is entered anyway”) and his own facial hair (“nothing says wisdom like a scruffy grey beard”).

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in