Cannes Lions has announced members of 16 juries for the 2015 Festival of Creativity, which runs from 21 to 27 June in France. The list of judges includes 309 senior industry professionals from 44 countries. This is the most diverse line-up in the history of the festival and includes the first judges from The Czech Republic, Ecuador and Indonesia – testament to an ever-increasing diversity of countries now winning Lions. More women will judge than ever before (31.5% compared to 28.5% last year and 20% in 2013), while the range of job profiles represented also continues to expand, now including an architect, fashion designer and head of emerging technologies.
“Enormous consideration is given to who will judge,’ said Philip Thomas, Lions Festivals CEO. “We seek out those who’ve distinguished themselves over the course of a career in creativity – people recognised for their professional achievements, but equally valued for their vision, admired for their passion and trusted for their integrity.’
Juries will convene in Cannes during the Festival for 11 days in total to review, debate and decide the fate of an anticipated 40,000 entries – a process that Thomas describes as challenging, inspiring and important to the future of the industry.
Thomas added, “The task of judges is to identify truly great creative thinking and award iconic ideas. It involves long hours, impassioned debate and difficult choices. But ultimately their choices will inspire the industry and show the way forward for communications over the coming years.’
South African representatives include:
Creative Effectiveness Jury: Andy Rice, Chairman, Yellowwood Brand Architects
Design Jury: Joanina Pastoll, Executive Creative Director, Lowe Cross Colours
Direct Jury: Justin Wright, Group Creative Director, TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris
Film Jury: Graham Lang, Chief Creative Officer, Young & Rubicam
Media Jury: Tanya Schreuder, Joint Managing Director, Vizeum Media
Outdoor Jury: Ahmed Tilly, Co-Founder & Executive Creative Director, Black River FC
Press Jury: Jonathan Deeb, Executive Creative Director, FCB
Promo & Activation Jury: Pepe Marais, Chief Creative Officer, Joe Public
Radio Jury: Liam Wielopolski, Executive Creative Director, DDB
Visit the Cannes Lions website for more information.
