India’s performance at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity continues to unfold, with the nation adding five more metals to its collection on day two. While the haul isn’t quite what some hoped for, it indicates continued growth in the creativity of Indian advertising.
Nine Metals Awarded So Far
With the latest additions, India now boasts a total of nine Lions – one Silver and four Bronze. This brings the total to nine, falling short of last year’s strong start but suggesting room for growth in the coming days. Key categories like PR and Brand Experience & Activation, with five shortlisted entries each, are yet to be decided.
Early Man Film Shines
Early Man Film stood out on Tuesday, grabbing a Silver and Bronze Lion in Film Craft for their impactful “The Steel of India” campaign for Jindal Steel. The campaign’s sensory approach impressed the jury.
First Lions for Leo Burnett and VML
Both Leo Burnett Mumbai and VML Mumbai secured their first Lions of the festival. Leo Burnett’s “Turf Finder” campaign for Gatorade, which helps communities find sports fields, won a Bronze Lion in Entertainment Lion for Sport. VML’s “Sing to Remember” campaign for Coca-Cola earned a Bronze Lion in Entertainment Lion for Music.
Ogilvy Leads the Pack
Ogilvy Mumbai maintains the top spot among Indian agencies with three Lions. They added a Bronze on Tuesday for their “Erase Valentine’s Day” campaign for Cadbury 5 Star Chocolate.
India’s Record-Breaking Shortlists
Despite a slower start in terms of awards, India has outdone itself in terms of shortlisted entries. With 52 shortlists, India surpasses last year’s total of 43, showcasing the growing recognition of Indian creativity on the global stage.
A Look at Day One Winners
On day one, McCann Worldgroup brought home India’s first Gold Lion for the “Fit My Feet” campaign for Buckaroo Footwear in the Health and Wellness category. The campaign also bagged a Bronze in the same category and a shortlist for Brand Experience and Activation.
Ogilvy also had a successful day one, winning a Bronze Lion in Health and Wellness for the “Impossible Choice” campaign for St. Jude India Childcare Centers, highlighting the financial struggles of young cancer patients. Additionally, they secured a Silver Lion in Outdoor for the Taj Mahal Megh Santoor campaign for Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea, featuring a musical billboard installation.
While VML’s impactful “#UnplasticIndia” campaign for The Times of India garnered four shortlists in Print & Publishing; they were not awarded Lions in this category.
The Road Ahead
With several key categories yet to be decided, India has a strong chance to add to its medal count. The nation’s impressive showing in shortlists suggests a growing reputation for creative excellence in the advertising world.
India’s Cannes Lions 2024 Tally (as of Day Two)
