The Middle East Shines Bright at South African Awards

The Loeries Durban has announced its 2016 winners with the MENA region scooping a total of 36 awards. As such, one would be tempted to believe that some agencies will need to install new shelves at their offices to display their bright and shiny trophies. Furthermore, with plenty of award shows to come this year, the number amassed thus far may just increase. On that same front, the Clio awards announced its shortlist and it appears that many of the already awarded campaigns just may make it to the finals. This is a reality that we as a people take great pride in. However, a significant number of these very same campaigns, which have already been recognised numerous times this year, are being re-submitted, driving the question of why the creative people behind the work would need further reassurance and more recognition from their peers worldwide. In terms of who won what at the Loeries during the Durban Creative Week, J. Walter Thompson, Saudi Arabia was the only agency to receive a Grand Prix. Gold was scooped by TBWA\RAAD for Go Sport’s ‘Champions Hijack’ and Emirates Holidays ‘Movie Index’. Another award was won by J. Walter Thompson Dubai for HSBC’S Global Transfer while J. Walter Thompson Beirut managed to snatch an award for Coca Cola’s ‘Giraffe’. FP7/DXB and Cheil Dubai also won Campaign Gold for Project Akshar and Samsung Noise Cancellation ads respectively. The brands receiving the highest number of awards were Pril, Samsung and Bou Khalil Supermarché each winning four prizes. As for the agency with highest wins, that honour went to Memac Ogilvy UAE with 10 prizes for various works.