The Financial Mail AdFocus Awards are unique as they recognise agencies and individuals, not just for their creative and marketing skills, but for their all-around business acumen.
A thorough audited judging process was followed to get to the finalists. 2023 chair Luca Gallarelli, group CEO of TBWA\SA, describes the process as “an incredibly rigorous pre-judging process, followed by a full day of varied and robust debate”.
“I am confident that the shortlisted finalists genuinely represent the very best our industry has to offer,” says Gallarelli.
He adds that this year’s leading agencies are not content with delivering only against the expectations of today but push, year on year, to meet the demands of the future. Gallarelli says that there are several categories that are too close to call.
Of the finalists, Weber Shandwick is shortlisted in three categories as is Ogilvy SA, with Joe Public shortlisted in two.
TBWA is shortlisted in six categories. Two for TBWA/SA, with TBWA Hunt Lascaris Durban and TBWA\Hunt Lascaris JHB with one each. the agency's Magna Carta and Grid Worldwide Branding & Design are also shortlisted.
Razor PR (shortlisted in 2020, winner in 2021 and 2022) is shortlisted for the fourth year in a row, while Rapt Creative is shortlisted in the Medium agency, having moved up this year from the Small Agency category, which the agency won last year.
In the student category, which this year carries a cash prize sponsored by Park Advertising, the Red & Yellow Creative School has three finalists.
The finalists are:
No finalists are announced for this category as there was a clear winner significantly ahead that will be announced on the night.
“Congratulations to all the finalists,” says Gallarelli.
Agency of the Year, Lifetime Achiever, Industry Leader and Shapeshifter will be announced on the evening of the event, which takes place on 24 November 2023.
