Cannes Lions Metal Tally: 13 Lions & A Grand Prix On Day 1
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity may have become about various things that have a larger role to play in the marketing business but it is still very centred around the awards. Agencies from world over come to Cannes to win, and the case is no different for India too. Last year, marking the 63rd Cannes Lions, was one of India's best years. Indian agencies brought home 27 Lions that included a Grand Prix, three Golds, seven Silvers, 14 Bronze and two Glass Lion.
This year is going strong in achieving or even surpassing this record. India already has 13 Lions, and a Grand Prix, which essentially means the 2015 record is already broken. India shone brought in the Pharma Lions category with a total win of four Golds and six Silvers. Three more Bronze Lions were added in the Health & Wellness Lions category.
And all this was topped with the Lions Health Grand Prix for Good awarded to McCann Health's Immunity Charm campaign.
Of the 25 Lions given out in the Pharma category, India had won 10, essentially converting every shortlist into a Lion. McCann Health won four Gold Lions and four Silver Lions for the work.
McCann Health India was shining bright in the Lions Health awards, largely driven by the agency's work, 'Immunity Charm' for the Ministry of Public Health, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which was awarded the Grand Prix for Good.
"Winning the top honour at a festival like Cannes is really special. I have been fortunate to give this honour to others in the past as Jury chairman, but receiving this honour is unmatchable. Also, making meaningful contribution to people's lives is what I believe advertising should do, and this campaign does exactly that. I am proud of my entire team that worked on this campaign," said Prasoon Joshi, CEO - India and Chairman - Asia Pacific, McCann Worldgroup.
Last year's big winner, Medulla Communications, is the second big global winner in the year. Its campaign the 'Last Laugh for India Association of Palliative Care' (IAPC), was awarded two Silver Lions.
The Healthcare Agency of the Year was awarded to Area 23 New York; second to Medulla Communications and third to McCann Health India.
