The Communications Council’s online jury of 120 experts has chosen announces 97 finalists from 36 agencies on behalf of 45 clients for round two of the Australian Effie Awards.

Finalists now compete for effectiveness awards across 26 categories, assessed by a team of 43 senior marketers, consultants and researchers.

Chairman of judges, Colin Wilson-Brown, commented, “I’d like to thank the first round judges for their time, insights and scrutiny. To see such a high number of finalists progress sends a strong message around the value of the work being delivered by our industry. The next round takes that further, with cases and results assessed by panels of senior marketers, providing a client perspective on how agency work is driving business performance.”

The Effie winners, Effective Agency of the Year, Effective Advertiser Award, and Grand Effie will be announced at a presentation in Sydney on Thursday August 30.

The Effies are jointly presented by The Communications Council and the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) in association with Think TV. Other sponsors and supporters include Displayground, Facebook, Healthcare Communications Council, Shootsta and UnLtd.

Clemenger BBDO Melbourne leads the finalists tally with 14 – 5 for Myer, 3 for Visit Victoria, 2 for Mercedes-Benz, 2 for CUB and 1 for Airbnb. BMF has 11 – 9 for Aldi, 1 for George Weston Foods and 1 for Dulux. CHE Proximity has 9 – 5 for Swann Insurance and 4 for Velocity Frequent Flyer.

View all finalists here:  2018 Effie Awards Finalists