With the 2012 Cannes Lions is in the books, we’d like to thank our roving reporter Yunilda Esquivel, EP at The Institute, for providing her take on the week-long event. Here are her final observations and thoughts from the French Riviera. Take it away.
Hello AgencySpy Readers!
After a hectic week of panel discussions, pool parties and endless warm Mediterranean nights on the Carlton’s infamous terrace, it all boils down to the much anticipated final gala in the Palais’ Grand Audi Auditorium. Highlights of the evening: MJZ won the Palm d’Or, again. Wieden + Kennedy was deemed the advertising agency of the year. BETC Paris won the Film Craft Grand Prix for ‘Bear’ for Canal+. And, the highly sought after Titanium Grand Prix went to R/GA New York for ‘Nike+ Fuelband’. Check out the full list of winners here.
And now, I leave you with a look back at some of the most memorable moments of the week:
Biggest Breakthrough:
Caviar entering the Palm D’or list, finally. Bravo!
Most Anticipated Success:
Chipotle Back to the Start, Branded Content and Entertainment Lions Grand Prix. One of the sweetheart campaigns of the year for its beautiful execution and heartfelt message to support farming families in the United States. Check out the case study here.
And, if you haven’t yet, download Willie Nelson’s frank, raspy version of “The Scientist” here. All proceeds go to Chipotle’s Cultivate Foundation that, as their site explains, is committed to creating a more sustainable and healthful food supply and to raising awareness concerning food issues.
Most Discussed Piece of Trivia:
Which director served as an inspiration for the Canal+ Bear Commercial? Is it just stereotypical Hollywood, or is it perhaps based on a certain commercial director who loves to say “I don’t give a S**t!” with a French accent? What do you think?
Watch the spot that won the Film Craft Grand Prix and 4 more lions in the category here.
Most Intriguing Young Director:
Young Director’s Award First Prize winner, Daniel Kragh-Jacobsen (overjoyed below at The Martinez), an über-talented director from Denmark who lives in Los Angeles and was recognized for his PSA “Before It’s Too Late.”
Best Beach Lounge:
Google SandBox
Best Dinner in Cannes:
Aurberge 1860 in the old town. Simple, wonderful French cuisine.
Most Fun at a Villa:
Stink Pool Party
Best Party:
Innocean + Microsoft Advertising soirée with Erykah Badu and Mark Ronson, hands down.
Best nostalgic moment of the week:
Jeff Goodby and Joel Ewanick taking a trip down memory lane to discuss the work they’ve created through the years, talking about how a creative and collaborative relationship earned them the trust to handle a $1.2 billion business. Seriously impressive and enlightening.
Most inspiring moment:
Seeing a panel of three children, Jordan Casey, Caine Monroy, and Adora Svitak sharing their creative inspiration with Jeff Benjamin, JWT’s chief creative officer. With a mix of curiosity, technology experimentation and ludic execution, it was a fascinating look at what the younger generation is bringing to the table in our industry.
Favorite campaign that’s making the world a better place:
Droga 5’s Help Remedies, winner of the Grand Prix for Good. A simple, but brilliant solution to help fight leukemia. The spot has been seen by over 50 million people, and since it’s launch, the number of marrow donor registrations has tripled.
Thank you all for reading, following and commenting. Special thanks to Special Projects for editing remotely. And many, many thanks to AgencySpy for letting me share my week with you. It’s been a wonderful Cannes, until next year!
xo Yunilda
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