Cannes Lion has launched an investigation into DM9, a São Paulo-based agency that is part of the Omnicom Group-owned DDB network, after it won Grand Prix.
The agency’s “Efficient Way to Pay” campaign for Consul Appliances won the Creative Data Grand Prix last week, as well as Bronze Lion for Creative Commerce.
Ad Age reported that a video sent to the publication from an anonymous source claimed that the Brazilian agency “altered certain aspects of the video” which include a customer’s testimonial, a TED Talk by North Carolina State Senator DeAndrea Salvador and a Brazilian CNN report.
Cannes Lions spokeswoman told Ad Age: “We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously. We will fully investigate the claims and provide an update on the outcome.”
Icaro Doria, chief creative officer of DM9, confirmed with the publication that the Cannes investigation has to do with the entry, but added the “work is very legit.”
DM9 won 21 total Lions this week, including the Grand Prix for Consul’s “Efficient Way to Pay,” five Gold Lions, seven Silver Lions and eight Bronze Lions.
Other agencies that won Gold Lions in the Creative Data category include: Ikea Hidden Tags by Portugal’s Uzina, Leo India and ACKO Health’s Tailor Test, Dentsu Digital Tokyo’s SATO 2531 campaign for gender equality organisation, Asuniwa.
On the final day of the Cannes Lion Festival, Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, celebrated the work and congratulated all the winners and shortlisters.
“This week we’ve taken our industry on an exhilarating journey of the very best creative work. Huge congratulations to each and every brilliant winner and shortlist for the phenomenal recognition bestowed by peers.
“This is a time for immense pride as we celebrate the transformative power of breakthrough ideas that challenge conventions, solve problems and create meaningful connections.”
See also:
Australia and New Zealand bag some heavy metal on days one and two of Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
Roaring to victory! Aussie creatives take home trophies on days three and four of Cannes
Impressive Cannes haul for Aussies: Grand Prix, Palme D’Or, Independent Agency of the Year