Cannes Lions: Omnicom edges out WPP as Holding Group of the Year

Lindsay Bennett
By Lindsay Bennett | 24 June 2018
 
The Omnicom team at Cannes Lions

After a seven year reign, Omnicom has edged out WPP for the title of Holding Company of the Year at the 65th Cannes Lions.

Omnicom had an impressive run at this year's festival, with adam&eveDDB taking home Agency of the Year and BBDO claiming the title of Network of the Year for a record seventh time.

Omnicom shops finished in the top three spots for Agency of the Year, with AMV BBDO second and BBDO New York third.

"We are thrilled with the results at this year’s Cannes Lions Festival, which is a testament to having the best creative talent in our industry," commented John Wren, chairman and CEO of Omnicom Group.

"Cannes Lions are among the most prestigious awards in our industry, and the fact that Omnicom agencies took home the top honors across a range of categories, spanning traditional advertising, digital, mobile, media and PR, speaks to the breadth and depth of Omnicom’s offering. We are so proud of the quality of work our agencies are doing across disciplines and geographies for their clients."

Omnicom entered work in 26 categories. In total, 137 agencies from 34 countries won nearly 300 Lions across more than 25 communications disciplines.

DDB rounded out the top three agency networks winning 107 Lions from 21 offices across the globe, while TBWA secured fourth place with 70 Lions, including two Grand Prix.

In total, Omnicom agencies received 10 Grand Prix and two Titanium Lions with TBWA/MAL leading most of the group's winning work.

The agency earned six gongs, including a Grand Prix for 'Welcome Home', the short film directed by Spike Jonze and starring FKA Twigs, which also earned multiple Golds in Film and Film Craft.

BBDO also drove Omnicom's success with its Libresse's 'Blood Normal' from AMVBBDO London and 'The Talk' from P&G and BBDO New York also earning Grand Prix.

WPP, which has earned the spot as Holding Company of the Year every year since its launch in 2011, placed second in the category. The holding group has had a tumultuous six months since the scandalised departure of Martin Sorrell. IPG placed third.

MediaCom was named named Media Network of the Year. The agency's work for Tesco in the UK landed the Grand Prix for Excellence in Media Planning, while campaigns for P&G's Gillette in Israel added two Silver Lions and a Bronze Lion. The agency also received eight shortlist nominations, making MediaCom the most decorated media agency in the competition.

Jung Von Matt Hamburg was this year's top independent shop, beating Droga5 New York and Wieden & Kennedy London, which ranked third.

Revolver/Will O'Rourke narrowly missed out on the Palme d'Or award, which goes to the most awarded production shop, with MJZ taking the title.

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