BEST TVWinner: KFC '
Who's cutting onions'. I ummed and ahhed a fair bit over the TV winner but ultimately decided to go for this simply told, singular idea. In contrast to some of the other contenders in this category, who could've benefitted from shorter edits, this spot does everything it needs to do and then gets the hell out.
Runner-up: Andrex Toilet Paper '
First office Poo'. This gets a mention for perfectly dramatizing and elevating the cringe-worthy office poo. The spot actually uses its longer length for a purpose - to amplify and serve the idea. A combination of understated comedy plus the quintessential fart moment make this a real crowd-pleaser.
BEST PRINTWinner: Guinness '
Six Nations isn't over'. This is print at its reductionist best. Not only is the idea an instant get but it's also rewarding and effortlessly tucks in all the hardworking mandatories from the brief. Also, a bonus gold forehead star for consistently reinventing the iconic Guinness pint glass format.
Runner-up: Saint John Ambulance '
Saint John First Aid'. This execution gets a nod for actually working, albeit on an audience of one. It didn't feel self-indulgent or made for awards and delivered a message in a way that definitely hits home.
BEST OUTDOOR Winner: Zumbi dos Palmares University '
Anti-Racist Bag'. Sometimes we make ads and sometimes we make anti-racist bags. This is such a practical solution and it manifests right where it's most needed. I love what creative thinking can solve and finding ways to democratize information, or in this case legislation, is an important narrative to apply our minds to.
Runner-up: Heineken 0.0. '
Checo.O'. This felt like a very contained and possibly limited experience but it certainly nailed a pretty compelling demo of the product benefit.
BEST INTERACTIVEWinner: Volkswagen Amarok '
RooBadge'. Case videos featuring rescued baby animals always get first place when I'm judging, and this is no exception. Fortunately, RooBadge also happens to be a fascinating idea that uses technology and innovation as the unexpected seed for a brand narrative.
Runner-up: Aleve / Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse '
The Painful Truth'. A strong runner-up, this web film kept me watching and delivered a sharp surprise at the end. It's not elaborately shot or crafted but the executional style helps land the believability that makes this idea really work.
This week's guest judge is Jenny Glover, chief creative officer at Zulu Alpha Kilo, Toronto.
In 1996 Jenny completed her law degree and to the delight of her parents, got a job as a lowly paid copywriter.
After spending 20 years working in South Africa she moved to Toronto and is currently a chief creative officer at independent creative shop, Zulu Alpha Kilo.
Jenny co-founded Open Chair, the South African industry gender equity initiative and has presented a Cannes master class on her award-winning Mercedes-Benz campaigns.
She has worked on and led financial accounts, retail, consumer goods, travel, telecoms and automotive for brands like Apple, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Visa, Virgin, Bell and Pepsico.
She has won golds across all the major international award shows, including 15 yellow Pencils, a Cannes Grand Prix and Canada's first Glass Lion. She has been fortunate enough to act as a jury president and Black Pencil judge at D&AD in 2018 and 2023. She has also judged multiple times at Cannes, One Show, Clio's as well as at local award shows.
She is a collector of contemporary art and photography and assorted rescue dogs. Her finest achievements are daughters, Grace (11) and Ivy (9), who help her maintain her incredibly chic under-eye rings.
