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This year’s SA judging contingent for Cannes Lions, includes:
Here Luckin, Zylstra, Taylor-Garrett, Mashigo, Potter and McManus share their predictions for the global and local work that will stand out at this year’s Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity…
My global Cannes Lions contenders:
The New York Times: “The Truth is Worth it”
Reclame Aqui: “People’s Miles”
Gillette: “We Believe”
The New York Times: “Fake News Stand”
Johnson & Johnson: “5B”
My local Cannes Lions contenders:
Mercedes Benz: “Return to Chapman’s Peak”
City Lodge: "The Real Cost of Being Zulu” ( Vernac Radio)
Philips: “Shave to Remember”
Globally, I am sure that Nike will clean up in multiple categories.
Gillette work will also dominate.
Locally I hope Mercedes, Nando’s and the KFC World Cup campaign medal.
As always, a trend at Cannes is cause-related work that tackles subjects that are breaking the internet. Brands are talking to people through their actions, like Nike 'Dream Crazy'.
Gone are the days of just telling people what you stand for, you need to contribute and prove it.
My top seven local picks:
1. City Lodge: ‘The Real Cost of Being Zulu” ( Vernac Radio)
2. Philips: Shave To Remember
3. Chicken Licken: ‘Sbu 2.0’
4. Nando’s: ‘You People’
5. Doom: ‘You should have used fast, deadly Doom’
6. Chicken Licken: ‘Far-Fetched’
7. KFC: ‘Make a meal of it’
No specifics. I’m rooting for ideas that are completely original and surprising and make me feel or think about it, long after I saw it for the first time.
Work with an “I wish I did that” factor.
In terms of work that stands out there is lots, but there are a few that I can see doing very well.
The Whopper Detour is a fantastic piece that really changes the formats of branding, promos and consumer engagement. It’s just great when a brand plays with culture and their customers to create experiences that are just great stories for all involved.
I think the Skittles Musical is also an interesting format change and experiment, but we will see if people actually like the work.
I’m pretty sure 'Dream Crazy' by Nike will be well rewarded as a brand that has a point of view, not just a purpose.
In terms of gender equality, there are two great pieces from VMLY&R that I think should do really well.
The 'Miss America 2.0' piece from our New York office is a fantastic initiative that really redefines what Miss America should stand for in this time.
It’s no small task to redefine a brand like Miss America for the modern age. No more swimsuits. No more judging on appearance. Proud of the Miss America and Y&R teams changing culture tonight. #MissAmerica2019 pic.twitter.com/8QbctwTirX
— David Sable (@DavidSable) September 9, 2018
An interesting mix, with some clear favourites. Holding thumbs for all the SA entries!
The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity runs from 17 to 21 June 2019, with Cinemark – now known as Ster-Kinekor Sales – the local representatives of Cannes Lions for SA. Roving reporter Ann Nurock will be sharing the latest news as it happens, live on the ground in Cannes, so visit our Cannes Lions special section for the latest updates!