India scores big on Cyber, Mobile ads at Cannes Lions

While advertising being created to promote goods and services is booming here, the Indian camp came home with just 27 metals at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity held south of France. But there's reason for cheer. In the key categories of Cyber and Mobile, India has won big.

JWT India walked away with eight Lions, the maximum number by any Indian agency this year. The agency's star campaign for Nike-Make Every Yard Count, won seven Lions, including four Silvers and three Bronze across Cyber, Film, Film Craft and Branded Content. The other campaign that contributed to JWT's win by winning a Bronze was the work for Godrej Securities-Antique store, Music store and Home, taking the overall Lions tally to eight.

"I am delighted with our performance at Cannes this year. With four Silvers and four Bronze, JWT has once again proved that the excellent performance is a testimony to the powerful ideas and brilliant work we put forth for our clients, their brands and their business, which has received the recognition it deserves," said Colvyn Harris, CEO, JWT South Asia.

Avinash Pant, marketing director, Nike India, said, "We are delighted that Nike's 'Make Every Yard Count' campaign has won seven Lions at Cannes. This film is a dedication to each and every one of those young cricketers who relentlessly chase their dreams. Our heartiest congratulations to the entire team at JWT."

Commenting on the multiple wins by 'Kan Khajura Tesan', an ecstatic Anaheeta Goenka, executive director, Lowe Lintas + Partners, said, "It's very gratifying when some real work with real social impact for an Indian consumer is being celebrated at this scale. It is collaborations like these with clients and media partners that are going to be key going forward, for the ideation and execution of inventive communication solutions for brands."

Meanwhile, the Holding Company of the Year went to WPP. Omnicom took second place and Publicis third. The Network of the Year award was presented to Ogilvy & Mather with BBDO taking second place and DDB in third. BBDO was the winner of the inaugural Regional Network of the Year for APAC. The coveted Creative Marketer of the Year trophy was presented to McDonald's in honour of its "consistency in placing creativity at the heart of its advertising and communications and distinguishing themselves by inspiring innovative marketing of their products".

—By arrangement with MxMIndia.com