Creativity20 of the World’s Funniest Ads You Might Have Missed This YearThese global gems were honored at the 2017 Epica AwardsBy David Griner|November 21, 2017McDonald's captures the confusion of today's artisanal coffee shops in the U.K. ad 'Madness.'ShareBy David Griner|November 21, 2017ShareThere’s certainly no shortage of stellar storytelling and wry humor in today’s advertising world, but few have time to sift through the internet sludge each day to find those nuggets of quality.Luckily, the Epica Awards, selected by a jury of international advertising journalists (including myself), offers a nice chance near the end of each year to recognize ads that you might have overlooked when they debuted in their home markets.You can check out all of this year’s winners here, but we’ve collected a few of the funniest spots below, representing work from 11 nations.Norwegian Air – Just Like the MoviesCountry: Norway Agency: TRY Epica Award: Gold, Transport & Tourism Is visiting the United States all that Hollywood makes it out to be? One airline goes behind the scenes to find out.Friends of Canadian Films – Spaceship at the BorderCountry: Canada Agency: Brad Epica Award: Gold, Media Aliens at the border take on a new meaning in this oddly wonderful spot in support of Canadian films.Shizuoka Shimbun and Shizuoka Broadcasting System – The Mass-Media BrothersCountry: Japan Agency: Dentsu (with production by Spoon Inc.) Epica Award: Gold, Corporate Image It’s not easy attracting young people when you’re the aging news media. But can it be done?Lax-a-Day – Long Time No SeeCountry: Canada Agency: Brad Epica Award: Gold, Prescription & OTC Products Time flies when you’re having … fun?McDonald’s McCafe – MadnessCountry: U.K. Agency: Leo Burnett London Epica Award: Gold, Non-Alcoholic Drinks It’s hard to side with a global chain like McDonald’s over your local coffee shop, but this spot still does a great job poking fun at the eccentricities of today’s pricey and pretentious options.Snickers – Recovery RoomCountry: U.S. Agency: BBDO New York Epica Award: Gold, Confectionery & Snacks Having to take a personal call during work can be awkward, but rarely this awkward.EKO-COM – Where They BelongCountry: Czech Republic Agency: Havas Prague Epica Award: Gold and silver, Public Interest: Environment This campaign reminds us in a truly memorable way that some things (and people) just work better where they belong.The National Lottery – Let’s Be Blunt: Please Not ThemCountry: U.K. Agency: Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO Epica Award: Gold, Recreation & Leisure This one’s actually from mid-2016, putting it on the outer edge of the Epica Awards’ entry range, but it’s definitely worth watching (and then giving the applaudably self-mocking James Blunt a follow on Twitter).Airtel – LostCountry: Nigeria Agency: Noah’s Ark Communications Epica Award: Gold, Communication & Public Services Actor and singer Gabriel Afolayan’s physical comedy is set to an addictive track by Nigerian singer Asa in this charming, long-form spot about feeling stranded.Elmsta 3000 Horror Fest – Outpost MarsCountry: Sweden Agency: Saatchi & Saatchi / Camp David Epica Award: Bronze, Recreation & Leisure If like scary, and you like short, this is the film festival (and ad campaign) for you.Farnham Ale & Lager – A Bit BitterCountry: Canada Agency: lg2 Epica Award: Silver, Alcoholic Drinks We might not be able to harness the power of bitterness, but perhaps we can tap into it a bit.FedEx – Passive AggressiveCountry: U.S. Agency: BBDO New York Epica Award: Silver, Professional Products & Services This one might hit a bit close to home for many in the corporate world.Finn.no – WingsuitCounty: Norway Agency: Morgenstern Oslo Epica Award: Silver, Retail Services This ongoing campaign reminds us that even the most ill-conceived purchases can sometimes be redeemed.Continue ReadingPages: 1 2 Adweek Adweek