Seen and noted

BEST TV
Winner: TOUS: Tender Stories No. 5.
Runner Up: Reporters Without Borders.

This category was a toss-up for me. These two stood out because their message kept me engaged. And while I wish TOUS was shot by Wes Anderson (since it clearly pays a homage to him in a small way) and did away with Gwyneth's name titled up, it made the product the hero of the story while seamlessly integrating into the spot as a whole. (I mean, what woman wouldn't want those rings?!). The fact that the dog's name was Robi(y)n had nothing to do with it. Really.

As for Reporters Without Borders, the message hit home. It's nothing new to see children speak of their future selves but the emotional grab was too strong to ignore.

BEST PRINT
The two I've picked had one thing in common. They both are a very visual solution. It's great to see that the beauty and craft of print isn't a lost art form. Not to mention, both concepts were strong... due to their, say it with me... visual solve.

Winner: Hearing Plus.
Runner Up: Sydney Dogs & Cats Home.
Honorable Mention (due to the reasoning above and for my love of anything that makes a viewer know exactly how a product makes you feel): Super Zuper Sour Candy (yes, it's almost too easy, but it's still good.)

BEST OUTDOOR
Just like in print, I picked 2 pieces that had a similar characteristic. If ads can have characteristics (so yes, I'm personifying ads). And that is they both played with the medium. Nothing works better for me than an ad that owns its space. Knows how to make the most of it.

Winner: Dove (Side note here: I hated the whole Mannequin Challenge phenomenon, save the Pitbull one, until I saw this. This took a simple social idea and gave it meaning. Made me think. And made me question the concern Dove brings up: why is it mannequins do not better represent us as real humans? How long is the one size fits all display of human forms going to be a thing? I know there are mannequins out there in different sizes but they're rare. Look how long it took Barbie to catch up. Okay, I'll get off my soap box now)
Runner Up: McDonald's.

BEST INTERACTIVE
Winner: Cleanaction River Cleaning Project.
Runner Up: Black Lives Matter: Black Business.

Wow. Just wow. These 2 pieces really tackle social issues in a compelling yet positive way. A much-needed way of thinking in this day and age. Either could have gone down a very traditional route but instead they did something about their situation. And that's no easy feat.

I'm super impressed with the sophistication yet simplicity that JWT showed when creating the site. Making a much-needed message even larger. Without losing the message at all.

As for Cleanaction, the case study speaks for itself. The solution is as impressive as the problem was troubling. What a brilliant way to bring volunteers and their efforts to life in a social display. Hitting them where they are most. Asking them to get involved socially and become socially responsible. Moving people off their phone and into the fields in this day and age deserves a high five. What a great use of the medium, too. I can go on and on about this idea, how it's strategically sound, how it's technically savvy, yadda yadda yadda, but I wouldn't do it any justice. Just watch.

Bravo. I'm super jealous of both of these pieces of work.

Congrats to all. Great work that keeps us all inspired.




This week's guest judge is Robyn Stern, associate creative director at Saatchi & Saatchi, Los Angeles.

Robyn started her career in NYC as an art director and has worked with some of the brightest minds in advertising. She is what many consider a hybrid creative. She has been an art director, a copywriter and a content strategist. Robyn has worked in print, TV, digital, social and experiential for a variety of clients.

Her client portfolio includes IBM, Coors Brewing Company, AmEx, Cisco Systems, Toyota, AT&T, Sprint, Kraft Food & Beverages, Purina and more.

Outside of work, Robyn is an active mountain climber and snowboarder. When she is not on a mountain, you can find her playing with her dog or at her desk writing her first TV pilot.