Dubai Lynx Announces 2024 Jury President Line-up

The 2024 Jury Presidents line-up features 11 industry experts from nine distinct markets, showcasing the comprehensive scope of the branded communications ecosystem

 

Dubai Lynx, MENA’s leading platform for creative excellence and effectiveness, has announced 11 industry experts who will lead the 2024 Juries.

 

The 11 industry experts from nine different markets, representing the breadth of the branded communications ecosystem including creative agencies, independent agencies, and brands, will convene in Dubai alongside their respective juries to establish the benchmark for creative excellence across MENA.

 

Commenting on the Jury President line-up, Philip Thomas, Chairman, LIONS and Dubai Lynx, said: “We welcome a wonderfully talented group of experts for 2024, to recognise the best ideas shaping the landscape in this unique part of the world. We thank them for their individual perspectives, expertise and experience for the leadership they will bring to the very important task ahead of them.

 

Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, added: “We’re thrilled to bring a breadth of voices and perspectives to the Jury rooms for Dubai Lynx 2024, featuring some truly remarkable creative leaders. We’re grateful to all of our 2024 Jurors for devoting their time and knowledge, and we can’t wait to see them in action in Dubai next year.

 

The 2024 Dubai Lynx Jury Presidents have been announced as follows:

 

 

Brand Experience & Activation and Creative Commerce:
Rafael Rizuto, Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Creative, US and Hispanic LATAM

Creative Effectiveness and Creative Strategy:
Bertille Toledano, President, BETC Paris, France

Design and Industry Craft:
Rajdeepak Das, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett and Chairman, Creative Council, Publicis Groupe, South Asia

Digital and Social & Influencer:
Anna Qvennerstedt, Global Chief Creative Officer, Forsman & Bodenfors, Global

Direct and Outdoor:
Nkgabiseng Motau, Co-Founder / Chief Creative Officer, Think Creative Africa, Africa

Entertainment:
Ana Balarin, Chief Creative Officer, Wieden+Kennedy, UK

Film Craft:
Pierre Nelwan, Managing Director, Media.Monks, the Netherlands

Film, Print & Publishing, Radio & Audio, Integrated, Glass: The Award for Change and Grand Prix for Good:
Gabriel Schmitt, Global Chief Creative Officer, Grey, Global

Healthcare:
Rohini Miglani, Vice President, Procter & Gamble International Operational SA SG, Asia/India/MEA

Media:
Enyi Nwosu, Chief Strategy Officer, UM London, UK

PR:
Anthony Chelvanathan, Chief Creative Officer, Canada

 

The Festival will take place on Tuesday 5 March 2024 followed by the Awards Ceremony & Dinner taking place on Wednesday 6 March 2024.

 

Entries into Dubai Lynx are being accepted until 25 January 2024. Click here for further information on the awards.

 

 

Motivate Val Morgan is the official representative of Dubai Lynx Festival in the UAE

The Best Christmas Ads of 2023

‘Tis the season once more! The arrival of the Christmas ad season is consistently met with great anticipation, and this year proved no exception. Retailers worldwide unveiled their festive commercials, aiming to captivate the hearts and minds of consumers.

From Apple’s heartwarming ad showcasing ‘The Beatles’ to M&S’s star-studded commercial featuring Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and Chevrolet’s touching spot in support of the Alzheimer’s Association, these are among the standout Christmas ads of 2023.

Explore the comprehensive list of 2023 ads that evoke the holiday spirit and resonate with our emotions.

 

Apple – Fuzzy Feelings

Apple’s ‘Fuzzy Feeling’ unveils a festive tale—a discontented employee, her less-than-jolly boss, and a compelling message intricately woven with The Beatles’ classic tune. Creative magic unfolds as always!

 

Chevrolet – A Holiday to Remember

Chevrolet collaborates with the Alzheimer’s Association in their latest ad, shedding light on the experiences of those living with Alzheimer’s and their families, particularly during the holiday season.

 

Coca-Cola – Anyone Can Be Santa

In this festive season, Coca-Cola gently nudges us to embrace our inner Santa. Check out the enchanting 2023 Christmas ad, where the spirit of kindness overflows in a cascade of heartwarming moments.

 

John Lewis – Snapper: The Perfect Tree

John Lewis’s nontraditional Christmas ad communicates a clear message for the festive season: forge new traditions. Explore the ad featuring Alfie, who buys a seed to grow his unique Christmas tree at a market.

 

Capital One – Quicksilver Holiday Night Fever

Capital One cleverly uses nostalgia and familiarity, anchoring our attention with John Travolta and the iconic JoBee Gees soundtrack, ‘Stayin’ Alive,’ preventing us from skipping past.

 

Tesco Helping you #BecomeMoreChristmas

The father-son dynamic adds a relatable touch, blending humor with familial bonds.

 

ALDI – Share the Love

Aldi’s “Share the Love” showcases a star-studded ensemble from the vegetable kingdom, including Kevin the Carrot, Gluttonous Grape, Naughty Green Kiwi, Plumty-Dumptys, Spoilt Little Sprout, Ebanana Scrooge, and Marcus Raddishford.

 

M&S – Say HELLO to Right & Left Mitten

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney don charming mittens for an M&S Christmas journey that is a must-watch, filled with heartwarming moments.

 

Amazon – Joy Ride

Amazon’s heartwarming Christmas ad, ‘Joy Ride’ celebrates enduring friendships and shared experiences as three elderly friends rekindle their youthful spirit, all in the backdrop of The Beatles’ ‘In My Life.’

 

Dior – The Garden of Dreams

Dior’s enchanting Christmas ad, ‘The Garden of Dreams, featuring Anya Taylor Joy unfolds a captivating narrative within a dreamlike setting, seamlessly blending luxury fashion with festive magic, creating an immersive and stylish holiday experience.

 

Lidl – A Magical Christmas

Lidl’s heartwarming 2023 Christmas ad, ‘A Magical Christmas,’ follows a raccoon on a whimsical journey to bring joy to a boy, emphasizing the power of small gestures and encouraging customers to donate toys for local children in need.

 

Sainsbury’s – “This Christmas, one little girl asks one BIG question.”

A curious girl steps up to the in-store tannoy at Sainsbury’s to ask: “What does Santa eat for his Christmas dinner?” Her question sparks a flurry of responses from Sainsbury’s workers, each offering their suggestions of festive dishes, showstoppers and treats.

 

ARGOS – Dancer

Connie’s lively table-dancing and Trev’s sweet character set a festive mood in Argos’s short, enjoyable ad, showcasing their products in a relatable and fun way.

 

Boots: Give Joy

Boots excels in capturing the essence of Christmas by highlighting the joy of giving. In their quirky ad, a girl poses an unusual question to her mom, akin to Sainsbury’s approach: “Who gives presents to Santa?”

 

 

Sources: DMI, USA Today, Creative Boom

 

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META Cinema Forum Promises to Grow the Region’s Cinema Share

META Cinema Forum brings together cinema stakeholders from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and CIS countries, committing to elevate the cinematic experience in emerging markets.

 

The sixth edition of the highly successful META Cinema Forum took place between November 7-8, 2023, at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai under the theme ‘Growing the Region’s Cinema Share,’ exemplifying a dedicated commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the industry.

The event, attended by over 500 delegates, visitors, buyers, sellers, and other industry stakeholders, featured engaging discussions, presentations, and workshops addressing the industry’s challenges, solutions, and current market dynamics. Key topics covered included Regional Content Production and International Collaboration, Cinemas of the Future, as well as a comprehensive exploration of emerging cinema trends and technologies, incorporating vital cinema statistics and case studies delving into Rewarding Patrons and Effective Pricing Strategies.

A myriad of stands, presenting the latest products, services, and technologies from a carefully curated selection of industry suppliers, technology providers, and stakeholders, were also showcased at the event.

The forum also attracted the biggest cinema operators in the region as partners in success, with VOX Cinemas, the forum’s strategic partner, alongside AMC KSA, Cinepolis, Muvi, and other cinema operators presenting their future expansion plans.

A notable feature of this year’s edition was the spotlight on Women in Film and TV (WIFT). The event showcased a round table discussion titled ‘Beyond the Glitz,’ featuring prominent female panelists such as Nancy Paton, Founder of Desert Rose Films and President of WIFTGCC, Charlotte Louise Sutcliffe, Entertainment Lawyer and Associate at CWB, and Head of Events at WIFTGCC, Ozge Conduroglu, Acquisition & Distribution Lead at The Plot Pictures MENA, and Ashleigh Potts, Marketing Director at Studio Distribution, Majid Al Futtaim LLC.

Additionally, the forum celebrated rising female Emirati filmmakers Zainab Shaheen, Maitha Al Awadi, Eman Al Sayed, and Sarraa Al Shehhi. The spotlight also shone on Nayla Al Khaja, the first Emirati film director, who received recognition at the WIFT MENA AWARDS during the event.

 

META Highlights

 

Leila Masinaei, Managing Partner, Great Mind Events Management, remarked, “The success of the 6th META Cinema Forum reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing the cinematic landscape in emerging markets. This year’s event has reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration, innovation, and shared experiences within the industry. We are excited about the future possibilities and the role META Cinema Forum will continue to play in shaping the cinema sector in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the CIS region.”

The two-day cinema conference also featured special screenings, including the latest Marvel movie ‘The Marvels’.

The highlight of the event was The META Cinema Awards and Gala Reception—a night of celebration recognizing outstanding achievements in the cinema industry. Nathan Gilligan, Senior Operations Manager at Comscore, and Nena Loncar, Client Insights Manager at Comscore, presented the awards. Recipients of this year’s META Cinema Awards include:”

Motivate Val Morgan was one of the media partners for the META Cinema Forum and a supporting partner for Meta Cinema Forum 2023.

How Cinema Helps Brands to Capture the ‘Elusives’?

In the realm of marketing terminology, one encounters familiar buzzwords such as Gen-Z, resonating strongly within industry discussions and strategies. Yet, amid this prevalent vocabulary, a lesser-known term emerges: Elusives. Uncommonly uttered in marketing circles, the concept of Elusives remains enigmatic, lacking the widespread recognition attributed to its Gen-Z counterpart.

 

While Gen-Z garners attention for its purchasing prowess, age dynamics, and pervasive influence, a pertinent question emerges: Are Elusives synonymous with Gen-Z? Delving into this intriguing query unveils an exploration of a demographic perhaps just as vital but hidden in mystery within the marketing landscape.

 

So, who are Elusives? According to the Video Advertising Bureau, Elusives are lucrative, young, diverse, and cordless audiences who are more prevalent but elusive when it comes to advertising. They tend to avoid advertisements at all costs, opting to skip ads or passively engage with unskippable advertising content. They pose a challenge for marketers to reach compared to other audiences. However, there is a platform that consistently captures these Elusives – The Cinema.

 

The VAB report highlights that 65% of all moviegoers belong to the adults 18-34 multicultural audience who perceive cinema as a crucial part of their social lives. They prefer watching a diverse range of genres at the cinema within its initial release week.

 

Furthermore, the report indicates that Elusives, from the moment they step into the cinema, become receptive to in-theater advertising. Remarkably, 89% of adults 18-34 take their seats before the start of trailers, viewing cinema as a pivotal social event. They often combine other activities, such as dining out or shopping, following the movie.

 

This scenario cements cinema as the ‘go to’ social activity for youngsters and offers marketers immediate opportunities to engage with these socially active and lucrative consumers through cinema advertising. It becomes an advantageous channel for immediate audience reach, such as launching new products, consumer promotions, or seasonal campaigns. Marketers stand to benefit from cinema’s proven ability to rapidly amplify the scale and reach of a campaign, all within a highly attentive environment.

 

 

Source: VAB

The Time Stone Shuffle: Marvel Studios Announces Release Date Changes

Deadpool 3 stands as the sole movie within the Marvel Cinematic Universe set for release in 2024

 

Disney has confirmed a long-rumored reshuffle of its Marvel lineup, resulting in the postponement of several franchise titles originally slated for a 2024 release, now rescheduled to 2025. This announcement follows the resolution of the SAG-AFTRA strike and occurs within the evolving landscape of the MCU.

The decision to reshuffle release dates has sparked industry discussions, with Anthony D’Alessandro from Deadline commending the move and attributing the lackluster performance of the titles to Disney’s extensive presence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Disney+, rather than reserving content specifically for cinemas. This perspective aligns with recent box office performances, as seen with the studio’s latest release, ‘The Marvels,’ which received a more subdued reception, earning only a modest $110 million in its opening weekend at the global box office.

Despite facing formidable challenges, Marvel Studios continues to reign as a global cinematic juggernaut, with a lineup of thrilling adventures poised to enthrall audiences across the globe.

Here are the updated release dates for the highly anticipated upcoming blockbuster MCU movies:

 

 

Final Deadpool
1200 x 1200_Captain America
Fantastic Movie
1200 x 1200_Thunderbolts
Blade 2025

 

 

Initially set for a May 3, 2024 debut, ‘Deadpool 3,’ starring Ryan Reynolds as the main character and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, is now scheduled to hit theaters on July 26, 2024. This marks a significant moment as Deadpool becomes part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after existing in a separate continuity due to studio divisions.

The rescheduling of ‘Deadpool 3’ triggered a series of changes. Originally slated for a July 26, 2024 release, ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ has been moved to February 14, 2025. This latest installment in the Captain America series, featuring Anthony Mackie as the lead hero, reportedly finished filming before the industry strike. Online speculation hints at possible reshoots in the coming months, a common practice for Marvel films.

While ‘Fantastic Four’ maintains its original release date of May 2, 2025, ‘Thunderbolts,’ a movie uniting supervillains including Florence Pugh and David Harbour, was initially set to premiere on December 20, 2024. Instead, its release has been shifted to July 25, 2025. As for ‘Blade,’ an R-rated MCU entry starring Mahershala Ali, initially planned for February 14, 2025, it has been rescheduled to November 7, 2025.

 

 

Sources: Variety, Marvel, Deadline

Cannes Lions to Launch the Luxury & Lifestyle Lions and Close the Mobile Lions

The Luxury & Lifestyle Lions launch recognises the significant transformation and disruption to the creative marketing of brands in the luxury space

 

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has introduced the Luxury & Lifestyle Lions, setting a global standard for luxury brands, with the goal of acknowledging and celebrating the most influential creative work, experiences, and business solutions within the luxury and lifestyle sector.

 

Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “When we introduce a Lion that reflects the needs of an industry sector, the Award is crafted in collaboration with the relevant industry. Our global committee of experts have advised us that this highly disrupted sector needs its own benchmark, so that we can move from driving awareness to recognising solutions that are changing business models and setting a new creative standard for a market in flux. The Luxury & Lifestyle Lions will recognise branded communications and solutions that drive business performance and brand loyalty. A multi-disciplined Jury will set a new benchmark for the luxury sector, with the Lion recognising creative work that elevates the discipline and the sector.”

 

Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, LIONS, added: “The luxury market has faced significant disruption in recent years and post-pandemic. A shift in consumer behaviour and an accelerated shift towards e-commerce and emerging technologies are just a few of the areas the market has had to navigate and innovate in at speed. Add to this the changing values of new demographics, the evolving definition of luxury in non-Western markets and the need for a heightened focus on sustainability and conscious consumption, and you begin to see the pivotal role that world-class creativity can play in this transformation.”

 

This change is supported by WARC’s ‘Guide to Luxury Marketing in an Era of Change’ and Euromonitor research, which indicates that sales in the luxury category have rebounded after COVID-19 and are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Additionally, research by IPSOS demonstrates that the global luxury market is evolving, presenting new opportunities and challenges. It is predicted that demographic shifts in emerging economies will create more than one billion first-time consumers, primarily concentrated in China, India, and Southeast Asia – as their purchasing power is bolstered by rapid digital adoption among a youthful, urban, and tech-savvy population.

 

Commenting on the Award, Charles Georges-Picot, Global CEO at Marcel and Publicis Luxe, Global Client Lead, said: “At a time where the luxury sector must constantly reinvent, transform and honour brand heritage with a keen eye on the future, the introduction of a Luxury & Lifestyle Lions will help set a new creative benchmark for this highly disrupted and exciting sector. We know that creativity has the power to push boundaries and progress sectors and disciplines. We’re excited about a new industry standard that will redefine how we look at branded communications, business models and creative transformation in this dynamic space.”

 

At this year’s Cannes Lions, ‘Kaguya by GUCCI’ by Dentsu Inc., Tokyo, was awarded a Bronze Lion in Film Craft. The work featured music that celebrates a mix of historical Japanese artforms with the latest technology in creativity. The creative director behind the piece, Toshihiko Tanabe, said about the launch of the Luxury & Lifestyle Lions: “Luxury campaigns aren’t just about glittering celebrities dancing in the sunset. For years, luxury marketing has served as a rare platform to exhibit visual art and pop culture in the most contemporary way.”

 

In other changes to the Lions, Brannelly commented: “It’s important that the Awards reflect the current landscape and pave the way forward, so as well as evolving the Lions, it’s equally important for us to retire Lions when necessary. In 2024, following consultation with our Juries, we will close the Mobile Lions. Mobile devices are embedded in work across every channel and discipline, and over the past number of years, mobile-led creativity has been expanding into almost every Lion.”

 

Full information on the Luxury & Lifestyle Lions, including the definition, criteria and categories, will follow, along with the Entry Kit, in November. Details of the Jury President and Jury will be announced early next year, with submissions into Cannes Lions 2024 being accepted from 18 January 2024.

 

Click here for further information on the Cannes Lions Awards along with the 2023 winners.

 

 

Related Articles:

2023 UAE Cannes Lions Awards Ceremony

UAE Secures 21 Lions at the 2023 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

Panadol | Cinema Activation | UAE

Panadol unveiled an innovative cinema activation in collaboration with Publicis Media, Motivate Val Morgan and VOX Cinemas.

 

The campaign titled ‘The Art of Release’ – on display from 6 to 19 October – enables cinemagoers to envision their personal pain relief moments and experience it on expansive screens through an AI-powered Panadol visual booth in the foyer area of VOX Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates.

 

Cinemagoers also receive complimentary goodies and memorabilia post their ‘Pain Relief Moment’ experience.

 

Panadol Mall of the Emirates

 

 

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A post shared by Panadol Middle East (@panadolme)

 

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A post shared by Virgin Radio Dubai 104.4 (@virginradiodxb)

 

The cinema activation has also garnered significant media coverage, with mentions across well-known platforms such as Virgin Radio Dubai with Kris Fade, Zee TV, What’s On Dubai, and more.

 

Cinema activations help move your brand closer to its target audience. Think cinema for ‘attention-grabbing’ adverting!

 

 

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VOX Cinemas Opens at Century Corner in Riyadh

VOX Century Corner is the exhibitor’s 10th location in Riyadh.

 

VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, opened its 16th location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Century Corner by Rakaa Holding on 1 October 2023.

 

Centrally located in the city on King Fahad Road, VOX Century Corner – Riyadh features a 10-screen cinema, including five Standard auditoriums, an IMAX® with Laser auditorium, a 10-seater Private Cinema, and three THEATRE auditoriums – a first-of-its-kind luxurious offering in the country providing a dining experience with gourmet food in an intimate setting.

 

VOX feature

 

 

With the opening of the latest location, VOX Cinemas now operates a total of 164 screens across 16 cinemas in six cities throughout the Kingdom.

 

Click here to book tickets at this new cinema, and reach out to our team to learn more about cinema advertising opportunities at VOX Century Corner – Riyadh.

 

 

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Ghoulishly Good: 15 Halloween Movie Recommendations for Kids

Halloween has arrived, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to dim the lights, cozy up on the couch, and dive into some spooky films. It’s even more enjoyable when you can share the thrills with your entire family because let’s face it, almost everyone loves a good scary movie from time to time, even the youngest members of the clan. However, the challenge is finding a movie that won’t leave the kids (and consequently, you) wide awake all night.

 

Your search ends here! Here’s a curated selection of the finest family-friendly Halloween movies for kids to enjoy in 2023, offering just the right amount of spooky fun for young minds:

 

Coco (2017)

Coco follows Miguel as he embarks on a quest to become a musician—a quest that lands him in the colorful and fantastical Land of the Dead. There, he learns the meaning and importance of culture and family.

 

Frankenweenie (2012)

Frankenweenie tells the story of Victor, who experiences elation when he successfully revives his beloved pet dog, Sparky. However, when his schoolmates attempt their own experiments in resurrection, the situation takes a chilling turn.

 

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

One of the best kids Halloween movies out there! Even though Count Dracula is raising his daughter, Mavis, in the lovely “five-stake” monsters-only hotel he’s built in Transylvania, he allows her to explore the human world on her 118th birthday. And for fans, there are sequels to enjoy: Hotel Transylvania 2, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, and Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.

 

Goosebumps (2015)

Goosebumps draws inspiration from the popular ’90s horror book series by R.L. Stine. In this 2015 film, the author, portrayed by Jack Black, and his family must rescue their hometown from impending doom as all the monsters from his stories come to life.

 

Monster House (2006)

In Monster House, a seemingly ordinary house reveals itself as a malevolent, living creature. When three young friends uncover this unsettling truth, they embark on a daring mission to save the town’s children from the house’s sinister grip.

 

Paranorman (2012)

To say Norman Babcock isn’t your average 11-year-old boy is quite an understatement—considering he can communicate with ghosts! Now he must use his powers to save his small town from an ancient curse.

 

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

A modern sequel to the 1993 film, Hocus Pocus 2 tells the story of three young girls who accidentally bring the Sanderson sisters to current-day Salem.

 

The Addams Family (2019)

The first animated comedy about the famously creepy and kooky Addams Family offers tons of kid-friendly frights and fun. This is a great alternative for kids who are interested in the new hit show Wednesday but still a little too young to watch.

 

The House With A Clock In Its Walls (2018)

The movie follows a 10-year-old kid who, after he’s sent to be watched over by an eccentric uncle (Jack Black) and and his friendly neighbor (Cate Blanchett), is pulled into an ancient rivalry between witches and warlocks.

 

Haunted Mansion (2023)

A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.

 

The Goonies (1985)

This beloved adventure follows a motley crew of misfits known as The Goonies on an action-packed treasure hunt to save their homes.

 

The Boxtrolls (2014)

While the rest of the world fears and despises them, a young human boy named Eggs considers the Boxtrolls his family. In The Boxtrolls, Eggs must confront an evil exterminator determined to eradicate his beloved clan.

 

A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting (2020)

Kelly Ferguson accepts a babysitting gig on Halloween night — only to have her charge captured by the Boogeyman. Luckily, she learns of a secret society of child guardians who can help her learn to fight monsters.

 

Gnome Alone (2018)

When Chloe moves into a new home with her mother, she finds something unexpected: a group of garden gnomes who say the neighborhood is under attack by underground beasts. It’s up to Chloe to help the gnomes save the world.

 

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is designed for teens (PG-13) who have outgrown the most family-friendly horror films but aren’t quite ready for the likes of Nightmare on Elm Street. This film, inspired by the spine-tingling book series from our childhoods, centers on a group of young investigators who must confront local legends that begin to materialize and pose real threats.

(Note: This movie is darker and more mature than many others on this list, intended for older viewers.)

 

 

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Highlights from the 2023 UAE Cannes Lions Awards Ceremony

The UAE Cannes Lions Awards Ceremony celebrated the country’s triumph at the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival, with 21 wins across various categories

 

Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan – the official representatives of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the UAE, hosted their annual UAE Cannes Lions Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 12th September 2023 to celebrate this year’s winning agencies.

 

The 70th edition of the Cannes Lions Festival witnessed the UAE’s active participation with a total of 640 entries from 22 agencies. The UAE distinguished itself by securing a total of 21 Lions, including 1 Grand Prix, 1 Gold, 6 Silver, and 13 Bronze awards, spanning various categories. Notably, the UAE achieved inaugural victories in the categories of Glass: The Lion for Change, Entertainment for Music, and Creative Data. The UAE also amassed an impressive tally of 89 shortlisted entries, solidifying its position as a creative powerhouse on the global stage.

 

This year’s winners across Print & Publishing, Brand Experience and Activation, Creative Commerce, Creative Data, Creative Strategy, Design, Direct, Entertainment for Music, Health & Wellness, Industry Craft, Media, Outdoor, PR, Radio & Audio, and Glass: The Lion for Change categories included:

 

 

*VMLY&R Commerce New York in collaboration with VMLY&R Dubai secured 1 x Silver (Radio & Audio)

 

Winners 2023 Lions

 

Creative heads and their respective team members from this year’s winning agencies gathered for an evening of networking and refreshments, culminating in the prestigious LIONS presentation.

 

Also in attendance was Jonathan Cruz, who, along with Saymon Medeiros, represented the UAE and And Us at the International Young Lions Digital Competition, as well as Chloe Salloum from the American University in Dubai, who proudly represented the UAE in the Roger Hatchuel Academy student program as part of the Cannes Lions Festival.

 

2023 UAE Cannes Lions Awards Ceremony

 

This year’s Festival marked a remarkable milestone for the UAE, boasting the largest assembly of jurors to preside over a single festival, totaling 18 esteemed jury members. Particularly noteworthy is Ali Rez from Impact BBDO, who made history by becoming the first Jury President from the MENA region.

 

Impact BBDO was also presented with the MENA Network of the Year award. This prestigious recognition follows the agency’s consistent performance as the No.1 agency in the Middle East and North Africa at Cannes Lions in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

 

Impact BBDO 2023

 

Motivate Media Group and Motivate Val Morgan extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winning agencies, and we eagerly anticipate continued success at the upcoming Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity next year.

 

 

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