Australia has won 9 of the 116 finalist positions in the 2018 D&AD Impact Awards, global initiative and awards program that exists to shine a light on the power of creativity as a force for good in the world. New Zealand has won 1.
Australia’s finalists are:
- BWM Denstu Melbourne, Disappearing Person Alerts for Queensland Police Service in Civil Engagement
- BWM Denstu Melbourne, Project Revoice for The ALS Association in Health & Wellness
BWM Dentsu Group gives people with ALS the power to use their own voice
- Revolver/Will O’Rourke, Stop The Horror for Go Gentle Australia in Civil Engagement
- Host/Havas, Palau Pledge for Palau Legacy Project in Community & Interaction
- Host/Havas, Palau Pledge for Palau Legacy Project in Environmental Sustainability
- Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, Never before Barbie for Mattel Australia & New Zealand in Diversity and Inclusivity
- Interbrand Australia, G’AY MATE for Interband Australia in Diversity and Inclusivity
- Tricky Jigsaw (& M&C Saatchi), NRMA Fireblanket, in Environmental Sustainability
- Tricky Jigsaw (& M&C Saatchi), NRMA Fireblanket, in Smart Living
M&C Saatchi & Tricky Jigsaw: More applause for NRMA Fireblanket
New Zealand’s finalist is:
- Ogilvy New Zealand, The world’s most successful recruitment video, for New Zealand Police
All shortlisted entrants will find out if they’ve won a Pencil or the inaugural $20,000 Impact prize fund at the New York Ceremony on October 2.
Among the shortlist are products and campaigns addressing some of the world’s most pressing political, social and environmental issues that have rarely left the headlines – from US gun reform (in McCann New York’s Price for our Lives project for March For Our Lives)…
…LGBT+ rights (in Interbrand Australia’s G’AY MATE campaign for marriage equality) to the environment (in AMVBBDO, LADBible and the Plastic Oceans Foundations’ Trash Isles) and accessibility (with Korean startup DOT and Serviceplan’s smart media device for the visually impaired, as well as Google’s Hello Morse product, allowing accessible communication with Morse code via Android devices).
Members of the D&AD Impact Council will come together in New York on September 26 to review the shortlisted work and decide which is deserving of Wood, Graphite, White and Black (the highest accolade) Pencils. For the first time, a $20,000 prize fund is open for prototypes, products and projects from a range of categories including civic engagement, diversity, environmental sustainability and responsible retail. The cash prize will be awarded to a single entrant, supporting it to continue its world-changing work.
Up to 40 shortlisted companies will also be offered places on the D&AD Impact Academy – a masterclass program that aims to inspire talent and provide tangible tools based on the experience and knowledge of the D&AD Impact Council. The Academy will run in New York from September 27-28.
Tim Lindsay, chief executive officer of D&AD, commented, “More than ever, brands and businesses are leading the way in developing products and ideas that shape the world we live in for the better. The work that has made this year’s D&AD Impact shortlist are truly inspiring examples of the power of creativity and, more importantly, an encouraging sign of things to come. I don’t envy our judges’ job of narrowing that list down to Pencil winners – but look forward to seeing which breakthrough projects will be recognised on the night.”
Matt Scheckner, chief executive officer at Advertising Week – Stillwell Partners, added, “Technology has broken down barriers and united the world in ways which were unimaginable when we started Advertising Week 15 years ago. Today’s stories of triumph and tragedy are told in real time and that impact has absolutely led agencies and brands to produce content that resonates with consumers on a personal level. Connecting the mind with the heart is the pathway to earn consumer trust and loyalty and we are so proud to provide a spotlight on campaigns which are all about real impact and meaningful change.”
All of the shortlisted work can be viewed on the D&AD Impact website.
Or read the shortlist here: Copy of D&AD Impact 2018 – Awards Shortlist
