Cannes 2014 â the brave tame Lions

I was only in Cannes for 48 hours this year – but it was still long enough – long enough to see some amazing work and (just) long enough to avoid liver failure.

While Cannes made headlines this year for attracting a list of A-list guest speakers – from Kanye West to Bono, my rosé-tinted eyes were most interested in seeing the best creativity in the World that took home coveted Lions.

Something I found encouraging was the bravery in the work that won awards – hopefully something clients will take note of. I was also pleased to see the UK faring so well too. So what were the picks? Here are a couple of brilliant winning pieces of work that are both brave and from our shores.

OgilvyOne London’s superb digital billboard for British Airways, which saw a child stand up and point as a BA flight went over, deservedly won the Grand Prix in Direct and Innovation. You can see the campaign here:

Adam & Eve DDB won big with ‘Sorry I Spent it on Myself’ – an audacious Christmas campaign created for high-end retailer Harvey Nichols. This hilarious campaign consisted of a series of awful presents such as a door stop and Lincolnshire gravel which could be purchased after you had spent all your money on yourself at Harvey Nichols. The campaign won a Grand Prix in Film, Integrated, Press and Promo and Activation.

Often we hear people complaining that it’s difficult to get away with brave work in the UK – the two campaigns above prove this theory wrong. Cannes we kick it? Yes we Cannes!

By DMA guest blogger Richard Dutton, Business Development Director, Arc Worldwide and DMA Brand Activation Council Chair