Press: Colenso BBDO Auckland scoops Silver

CANNES: Australasian agencies picked up just the one award between them in the Press category of Cannes, with Colenso BBDO Auckland taking a home a Silver Lion.

The New Zealand-based agency trumped for its 'Beating', 'Execution' and 'Rebels' work for Amnesty.

The provocative ads carried the message that by ignoring Amnesty's attempts to raise funds through street collectors and other means people are in essence turning their back on grave human rights issues.

One ad depicts a crowd scene, in which people are beaten and executed, but instead of watching the events unfold, the crowd of onlookers face away with their backs turned in the opposite direction.

The single solitary award was the only bright light among a dismal performance for Australia and New Zealand, with Australia not even managing to gain a single shortlist.

The Press category was mired in controversy this week when it was revealed that the Grand Prix was originally awarded to Ogilvy Mexico for its Scrabble campaign.

However, the gong was revoked when it was revealed that the campaign had been entered in the festival previously.

Sao Paulo's Almap BBDO took home the big prize, with a Brazilian market-only campaign for Billboard magazine.

Story by Darren Davidson, AdNews.

Results sourced by Campaign Brief.

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