With the awards season in full swing, the campaign cheekily asks advertisers “What is an award? Is it to impress friends, to make parents proud or to satisfy egos? Or perhaps: Does it make you look sexy?”
Unique among awards programmes, Phnx is free to enter, with a subsequent fee of 150 euros per entry only if work is shortlisted and Phnx Award winners do not receive trophies.
Winning is about recognising the excellence and hard work of talented creatives and not about a statuette on a shelf. “So be proud and enjoy it” the campaign declares.
In the end, what is an award? Jean-Laurent Py, creative director, Babel, says: "Awards are so important in the life of a creative. It can seem like an ego story - and it has to be as we put a little bit of ourselves in front of everyone's judgement every day.
“But it's way more than that. With the Phnx Awards, we wanted to do this small reflective spot in a witty and benevolent way. Hopefully it will resonate with most people and be an occasion for every creative to share what awards mean for them as well."
For once, getting nothing for something is the greatest reward.
It has already attracted over 700 jurors, living up to its promise to be one of the most diverse juries of prominent industry professionals from across the world.
Philippe Paget, CEO, AdForum Maydream, says: “Unlike any other competition, Phnx has a unique global jury coming from every aspect of advertising.
“We aim to be the most diverse in the industry, from creatives, marketers, strategists and agency leaders to consultants and journalists. Furthermore, the standard of entries is always outstanding.”
This year Phnx is asking agencies, freelancers, brands and production companies to enter their most impactful work into a carefully curated selection of 25 categories with a focus on craft.
Entries are open until Sunday, 1 May.
