The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity couldn’t exist without the people who make winning campaigns possible: the jurors. This year, 8 members of the Havas Family have been selected as jurors for its 70th edition.
For Dare!, we asked them what being a juror means to them, and here is what they had to say:
Joyce Kigathi
Head Of Strategy, Creative & Content, Havas Africa Kenya
“It is an absolute honour to be selected for this year’s panel of judges. When Sophie reached out, I thought to myself, ‘why not’, but now that I have been shortlisted, I am both ecstatic and acutely aware of the responsibility. To me, being selected presents a great learning opportunity as well as a chance to pay homage to the ideas and the work that are changing our industry.”
Stéphane Gaubert
Chief Creative Officer, Havas Paris
“Wow, what an honour for me and my agency to be part of this incredible festival. Being a juror at the Cannes Lions is a new milestone in my career. And of course, a way to push my love for creativity even further. I hope it will inspire all my creative teams. I strive to make Havas Paris a great creative agency, and this news is a wonderful start. Thanks Cannes Lions. Thanks Havas. Thanks mum. #canneslions70”
Luissandro Del Gobbo
Chief Creative Officer, Havas Milan
“I’m proud to participate in the Brand Experience and activation jury along with other great creatives from all around the world. The purpose of being on an award jury is to give your point of view on excellence. But when it comes to Cannes, it’s also to be inspired by other people’s points of view. In fact, only in Cannes do you have the opportunity and honor to sit down with so many world class talents. I’m sure this will be an unforgettable experience and I already know I will leave even more inspired and excited about our industry’s future.”
Dana Tahir
General Manager, Red Havas Middle East
“With health and wellness at the forefront of everyone’s minds, the creative work in this space has come a long way. As a juror for the Health & Wellness category, it has been refreshing to witness the meaningful work of health communicators who are determined to create a cultural shift, with a unique voice and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on our culture. It has been a delight discovering the groundbreaking creativity that will set the standard for the festival’s next 70 years of defining global excellence.”
Jez Jowett
Head of Havas Play, North America
“I was fortunate enough to be a media judge at Cannes Lions a few years ago. It’s still one of the highlights of my professional career. To be inspired by so much work; to have access to so many insights; to do so in the company of peers and people who’s opinions are so poignant and poised, is a real honour. To be able to do it all again in the Entertainment and Sports category this year, is set to be another highlight”
Joao Medeiras
Executive Creative Director, Havas Middle East
“A jury call-up for the Cannes Lion is the opportunity to weigh in and discuss what the industry I love values and represents. The Cannes Lions is one of the most renowned creative festivals – in fact, it has been celebrating the best of the best for the past 70 years. Coming up through the industry, I would (and still do) study the winners with excitement. So, it’s an honor to now play a role in establishing this year’s leading work that will set a new benchmark for creativity.”
Sarah Leccacorvi
Head of Content & Creative, Havas Entertainment London
“It goes without saying that it’s an honour and a privilege to be a Cannes Lion Judge, but it is also slightly terrifying! The opportunity to immerse myself in brilliant and innovative work thrills me with intrigue and excitement. At the same time, doing it properly will be paramount. Finding the balance between creativity and business impact will be essential, which is why I have so much respect for the rigorous Cannes Lion process. And personally, to meet and work alongside some super impressive people in the industry is a wonderful opportunity!”
Antoinette Beatson
Creative Vice President, BETC
“It is a huge honor to be selected. I’m looking forward to the “judging bubble”: being locked up with some of the most creative people in the world, no phones and nothing to distract us from the work and the discussions around it.”
