South African advertising agency DDB (SA) won the Grand Prix award in the Press category at the 55th Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival held in Cannes, France this week.
From more than 7 400 global entries in the press category, DDB (SA) scooped the coveted premier award for their Energizer campaign.
The campaign includes a series of 4 print ads with the payoff line 'Never let their toys die' and depicts some of the naughtier antics children resort to when the batteries in their favourite toys die.
The Energizer team was led by DDB (SA) Executive Creative Director Gareth Lessing: "It's just beautiful. Sometimes you have a plan, but every now and again the outcome exceeds your expectation."
"We're very proud to have joined the ranks of agencies flying the flag for SA advertising," said CEO Glen Lomas.
DDB's success at this year's Cannes Lions marks the third time that a South African agency has taken home a Grand Prix award.
In 2007 Net#work BBDO won the Outdoor Campaign Grand Prix for the solar-powered Nedbank Billboard, while in 2006 FCB Johannesburg took home the Press Grand Prix for their "Imagine" Lego campaign.
Over 25 000 ads from all over the world were showcased and judged at this year's Cannes Lions Festival. Winners were announced in 10 different categories including TV/cinema, print, outdoor, radio design in what is considered the world's most prestigious advertising awards.
In addition to DDB (SA)'s Grand Prix award, South African advertising agencies walked away with one silver and four bronze awards in various categories.
For a full list of winners visit, www.canneslions.com/winners
