Big Goals
Absolutely great story of a young man whose dream is to play football in Ghana. Well shot, well told and well crafted. Hats off to the NFL and the creative team that made “Born to Play.”
– Sherri Maxwell, Executive Creative Director
World Cup
The rollercoaster of emotions led by misleading phrases and overexaggerated reactions put the Reese’s Caramel Cup ad at the top of my list. I believe they captured some very real emotions (although amplified to the max) should The Hershey Company ever decide to alter our beloved Reese’s Cup recipe. Thanks to hula-hooping dogs and repeated bodily harm, we come to find out that Hershey was introducing their most recent pick for their candy lineup equipped with all the ingredients we know and love plus a new layer of caramel. That’ll do Hershey Company. That’ll do just fine.
– Ashley Boland, Senior Traffic Coordinator
Frame of Mind
Google’s ad provided a timely reminder that the best measure of a technology’s value is its impact on real people. The spot follows a visually impaired man as he captures important relationship milestones with his partner thanks to the AI-powered accessibility feature Guided Frame in his Google Pixel. Beyond the moving storytelling, the ad was directed by Adam Morse, who is blind and used petroleum jelly on the camera lens to create the blurry quality. Here is a behind-the-scenes look into the commercial.
– Mike Cloppse, Associate Creative Director
Ice Princess
Love a sentimental commercial! Kia’s ad for the EV9 Electric SUV was family-focused, telling the story of a young girl in a figure-skating competition who aces her routine but looks sad about the empty seat next to her dad. Luckily, the EV9 not only tackles the snowy terrain to get her to her grandfather’s house for a performance on a pond but it also powers the outside speakers and string lights. What a way to illustrate the car’s electric capabilities—and remind everyone to call their grandparents.
– Kristin Detterline, Director of Brand Communications
Skin in the Game
My favorite commercial definitely has to be the absurdist CeraVe spot featuring Michael Cera. For a brand anchored in simplicity and straight-forward expertise, this ad was a pleasant surprise. Channeling Zoolander/Old Spice-esque vibes, I was cracking up at the ever-changing, epic environments and dramatic voiceovers for a barebones moisturizer. Michael Cera sitting in a fantastical forest speaking to a narwhal was the cherry on top. Hoping to see more ads like this in the future.
– Lindsay Muir, Senior Designer
Lingo Bingo
Duolingo’s totally weird yet witty game day ad hit the mark with its current users within just a few seconds. Many who witnessed this ad felt it incredibly strange and unlike the typical flashy visuals everyone is used to seeing between breaks. The commercial was quickly followed up with an app notification to Duolingo users, reminding them to do their lesson, no buts. While uncomfortable to many, it stuck to the brand’s current gimmicks and resulted in a laugh for any current users watching the game.
– Mikayla Peles, Junior Designer
Mountain of Entertainment
I loved the Paramount+ ad where they take celebrity endorsement over the top, throwing everything at you (pun intended). Referencing the logo, their “Mountain of entertainment.” Using all that talent is very fun. Love Patrick Stewart saying, “Throw the child” and “Shut your face!” with the Creed background and Knuckles chiming in. And everyone singing, “I just threw him higher!” Poor Peppa.
– Frank Urbaniak, Senior Designer
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