One of the most unique awards in the communications industry, The Gerety Awards, have unveiled their first ever shortlist after 3 weeks of intense judging in 10 capital cities, with some of the world’s most esteemed creatives who looked at entries from 30 countries from across the globe.
Launched this January, The Gerety Awards is challenging the status quo of the awards circuit through its jury.
Co-Founder Lucía Ongay said: “The executive judging sessions were riveting and without doubt this shortlist will set a benchmark for all other award shows this year. We were excited to see what our jury would pick and how it will compare with other industry events. 80% of all global purchasing decisions are made by women so you would hope that advertising always has these most powerful consumers in mind.”
There were 149 shortlisted entries, and the most successful countries this year include USA (37), UK (15), Germany (13) and Spain (13). The most successful network in the shortlist is BBDO with 27 entries still in running for the awards, and they are joined by VMLY&R (14), Mullen Lowe (14) and Leo Burnett (15).
There were no shortlisted entries in the Pharma and Portfolio CUT. “Although there were some great entries in these Cuts our jury felt they were not strong enough. Only the very best work will be awarded with a Gerety”, mentioned Co-founder Lucía Ongay.
Executive jury member Genevieve Hoey, Group ECD at R/GA explained: “The Gerety Awards was a room of super diverse senior creatives, passionately debating work and ideas. It should be irrelevant to know that we were all women. But it’s not. Awards shows like The Gerety matter to our industry right now. Elevating new female voices in the discourse on creativity, including more seats at the table to discuss what work should be celebrated-or not – will positively shape the future of a more diverse and inclusive industry we can all be proud to work in.”
Following this sentiment, Executive Jury Lixaida Lorenzo, GCD at David & Goliath added: “Judging at the Gerety Awards was refreshing. It was a room filled with talented creative leaders that were genuinely just about making sure only extraordinary ideas rose to the top. The room was mostly on the same page on what was really great and what was really not. No politics to navigate.
Ambassador and Grand Jury member Tista Sen, Regional Creative Director, Wunderman Thompson South Asia said: “The Gerety Awards in spearheading this announces an all new way in which creative work is perceived. Judging work with women across the table is a whole new learning experience. The entire experience was fun, insightful with a nuanced discussion. And yes, we all fell in love with advertising all over again”.
The Grand jury will now choose the final winners which will be announced at the end of July.
You can check the shortlists HERE.
