“In a world full of award shows where the work is judged through the lens of people within the industry, it is absolutely vital to have a view from a different creative lens – that of journalists or those in the media. Epica maintains that balance well.”
Ali Rez
CCO -
Impact BBDO Group MENAP DubaÏ
“Epica always has a special place in my heart. The value of winning an Epica award is truly unique. As a creative you want only one thing: your work to be judged as objectively as possible. Journalists as jurors comes closest to that. And let’s not forget: we’re in the business of creating relevant difference. Epica has done exactly that in the award show arena. I love it.”
Bas Korsten
Global Chief Creative Officer -
Wunderman Thompson Netherlands
“Epica offers an awards with a different perspective, with the opinions of those that write about us/report on our work, rather than our fellow creatives/clients. It is always interesting to see their viewpoint in the wider awards results each year.”
Bruno Bertelli
Global CCO -
Publicis Italy
“In my opinion, Warc should include the Epica Awards as it holds a unique position in the advertising industry. The awards stand out with an impartial jury comprising journalists from top publications worldwide. This approach ensures diverse and unbiased recognition of global creativity, transcending cultural boundaries. Winning an Epica Award carries significant weight, serving as a powerful endorsement of my creative capabilities and strategic prowess.”
Dörte Spengler-Ahrens
CCO at Jung von Matt SAGA -
Jung von Matt Elbe Germany
“I would whole heartedly back Epica being back in the ranking process. Epica has always stood out as an award that brings journalistic rigour to the judging process. They are no vested interests if you have had no involvement in the creation of the work. Through a journalist’s lens the awards have an integrity unlike any other.”
Grant Hunter
Global ECD -
Iris United Kingdom
“Of course there are far too many competitions, of course the results are the same, because they are judged solely by so-called creative people. Therefore, the Epica Awards are inevitably alone in their league. Because they have created this league of jounalist perspective themselves. If you're looking for uniqueness and a unique position in the award business, you can't get past the Epicas.”
Guido Heffels
Chief Creative for HORNBACH, Founder HEIMAT Berlin -
Heimat Germany
“I consider Epica to be more than deserving of this ranking. Epica is a unique festival that enables the evaluation of works through the eyes of editors, journalists, and individuals who live within the social context day by day, conveying it to broad audiences. A deserving appraisal of Epica is incredibly important for a fresh perspective on the creative approach.”
Ilia Anufrienko
Founder & Creative director -
Bickerstaff.734 Ukrain
“Award shows tend to replicate each other.
Not Epica.
I’ve always seen huge value in a show judged entirely by journalists, which is why I make sure our network prioritizes the Epica Awards every year.
Because journalists interrogate our work with a unique perspective.
Of course, first and foremost they seek out beautifully crafted, powerful ideas that immediately take ownership of a space in the heart and the mind.
But they don’t stop there.
Journalists are trained to interrogate the obvious, to always find the bigger story. The broader context. The meaning of the work.
Which is why I’ve always loved putting our best work in front of the Epica Jury.
Because great work can only be great if it escapes the little advertising bubble we all live in.
Epica brings an ‘informed-outsider’s’ perspective that no other awards show brings.
That’s its true value.” John Mescall Global Executive Creative Director and Global Creative Council President - McCann Worldgroup USA
Not Epica.
I’ve always seen huge value in a show judged entirely by journalists, which is why I make sure our network prioritizes the Epica Awards every year.
Because journalists interrogate our work with a unique perspective.
Of course, first and foremost they seek out beautifully crafted, powerful ideas that immediately take ownership of a space in the heart and the mind.
But they don’t stop there.
Journalists are trained to interrogate the obvious, to always find the bigger story. The broader context. The meaning of the work.
Which is why I’ve always loved putting our best work in front of the Epica Jury.
Because great work can only be great if it escapes the little advertising bubble we all live in.
Epica brings an ‘informed-outsider’s’ perspective that no other awards show brings.
That’s its true value.” John Mescall Global Executive Creative Director and Global Creative Council President - McCann Worldgroup USA
“Brands with the most famous advertising and communications will be more famous, and brands with forgettable ideas will be forgotten. And we all know where the smart brands want to be.”
Jose Miguel Sokoloff
President of the Lowe Global Creative Council and Chief Creative Officer -
Mullenlowe Colombia
“The best journalists uncover the hidden truth. They dig a little deeper to identify and spread ideas that impact lives. It’s a different way of looking at creativity and brand action. Advertising needs that unbiased ‘third eye’ to look at itself objectively. That’s why we need awards like Epica which are judged only by journalists. Or as the New York Times says, “The Truth Is Worth It”
Josy Paul
Chairperson and Chief Creative Officer -
BBDO India
“It is journalism that ensures that the stories behind groundbreaking creative ideas are shared publicly...I look forward to being challenged by the brilliant creative ideas featured on the pages of publications such as Epica for years to come.”
Kate Stanners
Chairwoman and Global Chief Creative Officer -
Saatchi & Saatchi USA
“We know that advertising festivals are important to our industry.
They help us to quickly know what other regions of the world are doing and the new trends in communication in different places.
But Epica goes further, inviting specialized journalists.
That way we can have a different view of the campaigns and help us to get out of our bubble.
A festival like Epica being part of the warc is bringing even more quality to the decisions of the marketing teams
and adding confidence when they need to make important decisions” Luis Paulo Gatti Creative Director - Jung von Matt Germany
They help us to quickly know what other regions of the world are doing and the new trends in communication in different places.
But Epica goes further, inviting specialized journalists.
That way we can have a different view of the campaigns and help us to get out of our bubble.
A festival like Epica being part of the warc is bringing even more quality to the decisions of the marketing teams
and adding confidence when they need to make important decisions” Luis Paulo Gatti Creative Director - Jung von Matt Germany
“A great journalist is unbiased, and a great journalist cares deeply. What better group of people to judge an advertising show?... There is no show where your work will be more thoroughly investigated by a more unbiased and more influential audience.”
Matt Eastwood
FormerGlobal CCO and FounderFounder
Gestalt Haus -
Gestalt Haus USA
“We have always respected journalists a lot: journalism is a key source of trusted information and without journalism there can’t be freedom of expression. Therefore BETC has chosen years ago to help RSF – Reporters without Borders- to communicate on a pro bono basis to defend press freedom. It is essential that our industry can mirror itself in the eye of journalists, and get their special, sharp and thorough, view on our industry and creativity.”
Mercedes Erra
Founder and President of BETC Group -
BETC France
“I think The Epica Awards are quite essential for the creative people and industry. At a time in which we finally integrate the importance of diversity and openness, this award permits to break the potentially vicious circle of adpeople celebrating adpeople celebrating adpeople celebrating…basically, an external look and judgement, still professionnel and pertinent, is quite interesting and thrilling to have. It has definitely all legitimity to get into the Warc ranking”
Py Jean-Laurent
Creative Director -
Babel France
“Awards judged by journalists keeps us honest as creative makers. With their unbiased opinions we are able to ensure that our ideas have true gravitas in the world. Not just in our industry. This is a real celebration of work that is effective and influential. This is the kind of award we should be hoping for.”
Rosie Bardales
CCO -
Wunderman Thompson USA
“This selection was not made by creatives and ad people. It was made by journalists. Experienced journalists with their own point of view about what’s relevant, what’s strong, what’s famous.”
Stephan Vogel
CCO EMEA -
Ogilvy Germany
“Creative people by nature are investigators of emotions and it is so refreshing to be at an award show where the impact of the work is deeply investigated by journalists seeking to find out just how well that emotion resonated with an audience. I hope it will help in bringing Epica back in Warc rating.”
Sukesh Nayak
Chief Creative Officer -
Ogilvy India
“Our industry does have the tendency to get self-congratulatory at times. So, it's important to get a perspective and a reality check from an outsider that still knows the industry well. And that's where The Epica Awards are unique. They give recognition on work we do from journalists and this helps bring some much-needed honesty into the awarding of work. So, these awards should be considered in the WARC 100 rankings, because they provide an interesting addition to the awards shows being considered as one that has been voted on by non-agency and non-client people. This distinctive element will help make the rankings more well-rounded too.”
Tahaab Rais
Group Chief Strategy Officer -
Publicis Groupe MENAT DubaÏ
“When it comes to award shows I believe the key rule of any good investment portfolio applies: diversify. Our annual award show calendar is so full of somewhat monocultural creative juries judging creative work. "That’s why it’s key to have the Epica awards - and also Effies. Through their different approach to jury setup and judging methodologies they help balance the picture, the industry.”
Till Hohmann
Chief Creative Officer -
TRACK Germany
“The best advertising seeks the truth, the same thing that moves real journalism. That is why Epica is such a relevant festival for our industry. Who can be better than a selection of the best journalists in the world to judge our ideas?
To have Epicaback to the Warc ranking would represents a stamp of maximum prestige for those who invest in the recognition of the best creative work in the world” Tomás Ostiglia Executive Creative Director - LOLA MullenLowe Spain
To have Epicaback to the Warc ranking would represents a stamp of maximum prestige for those who invest in the recognition of the best creative work in the world” Tomás Ostiglia Executive Creative Director - LOLA MullenLowe Spain
“I truly believe creativity is the driving force behind our business, and I always will be a champion of it. I’d like to thank Epica and the journalists who’ve helped highlight and celebrate game-changing ideas that ultimately build brand success.”
Tor Myhren
Vice President
Marketing Communications -
Aple USA
“Creative people by nature are investigators of emotions and it is so refreshing to be at an award show where the impact of the work is deeply investigated by journalists seeking to find out just how well that emotion resonated with an audience. I hope it will help in bringing Epica back in Warc rating.”
Valerie Madon
CCO -
McCann Worldgroup Singapore
“In my opinion, Warc should include the Epica Awards as it holds a unique position in the advertising industry. The awards stand out with an impartial jury comprising journalists from top publications worldwide. This approach ensures diverse and unbiased recognition of global creativity, transcending cultural boundaries. Winning an Epica Award carries significant weight, serving as a powerful endorsement of my creative capabilities and strategic prowess.”
Yana Okoliyska
Creative Director -
Squared Bulgaria
“Epica is one of the shows I respect most because it’s judged by an unbiased jury of the world’s trade press. I would rate and trust the results of this show more than many others.”
Zak Mroueh
Founder & Creative Chairman -
Zulu Alpha Kilo South Africa
“Recognition from the Epica jury is particularly meaningful because validation from journalists is critical to the network. It considers media coverage an important gauge of its work’s cultural impact – and impact is one of the group's top objectives.”
Adrian Botan
Chief Creative Officer Europe -
McCann Worldgroup United Kingdom
“I welcome diverse opinions judging creative ideas and who better than the journalists that get both a
birds eye view of our industry as well also getting up close and under the skin of it.” Ajab Samrai GLOBAL CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER - BLITZWORKS United Kingdom
birds eye view of our industry as well also getting up close and under the skin of it.” Ajab Samrai GLOBAL CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER - BLITZWORKS United Kingdom
“There is no other Festival of Creativity in the world where your work will undergo a more thorough examination by an unbiased audience. Having my creations evaluated by journalists and gaining recognition from the Epica jury holds particular significance, as the validation from journalists is fundamental to the essence of creativity.”
André Felix
CCO -
Leo Burnett USA
“It’s hard to imagine a more perfect jury than one made up of individuals who have zero skin in the game, no hidden agendas or allegiances and who have a job description that literally requires objectivity.”
Ari Halper
Global Executive Creative Director & Head of Creative Excellence -
R/GA USA
“Epica is essential to the advertising community because its outside perspective helps us understand our best work from the singular point of view of people who are not fellow professionals. Without Epica rounding out the annual analysis of the industry’s best work, we lose the outsider’s perspective informed by journalists who can best represent what actual consumers think of our work.”
Barry Wacksman
Chairman & CRO -
Proto USA
“Within the agency and the network the creatives always celebrate an Epica Award because you get honoured by the press, by journalists who really dig into stories.”
Benjamin Merkel
ECD -
Leo Burnett Germany
“The Epica Awards are like no other award show. It's judged by journalists with a different perspective and no bias. It celebrates creativity, by the most informed people in our industry. The show is extremely valuable to our industry. ”
Bianca Guimaraes
Partner & Executive Creative Director -
Mischief USA
“It's so important to have our work judged by as wide and informed a group of people, and who better than the unbiased and objective profession of journalists to help challenge our ideas, add to their narrative and make them better.”
Chaka Sobhani
Global Chief Creative Officer -
United Kingdom
“Epica has always been a great show to enter. Because the jury is comprised of journalists, the winners are chosen by an unbiased group of people who have no vested interests while judging.
This leads to a result that is not only a reflection of the best work in the industry, but also work that truly does make an impact in culture.”
” Chris Garbutt Chief Creative Officer Vice Media Group & President Virtue - Virtue USA
This leads to a result that is not only a reflection of the best work in the industry, but also work that truly does make an impact in culture.”
” Chris Garbutt Chief Creative Officer Vice Media Group & President Virtue - Virtue USA
“The real magic of Epica lies in its ability to inspire from a different vantage point than most awards shows; it brings together a global network of journalists who are not swayed by industry trends or vested interests. They are objectivity, assessing and honoring the finest work from around the world, creating a repository of innovation that challenges us all to raise the bar.”
Daniel Ilic
Global Creative Director -
Meta USA
“In an industry that welcomes and values diverse points of view in its quest to constantly redefine creativity, a festival where journalists share their very unique point of view on the work is immensely valuable.”
Dimitri Guerassimov
CCO VMLY&R France / CCO WPP Colgate-Palmolive EMEA -
VMLY&R France
“The Epica Awards are different. Since the judges are both very media savvy but not advertising folk, winners can be seen as winning over the public, a high-water mark.”
Doug Schiff
CCO -
VML Ogilvy Japan
“The industry certainly doesn´t need another award show. But it's important to have one award show that doesn't boil in its own juices. That´s why I appreciate Epica for celebrating creativity from a different angle.”
Eric Schoeffler
ECD Europe & CCO Group Germany
-
Havas Germany
“If you want your brilliant work to be voted by an award jury free from politics and envy Epica is your place to be. The only competition in this business where it´s jury members don´t care about what network, country or whatever an idea comes from.”
Fabian Frese
CCO -
Accenture Song Germany
“An objective vision without pressure is the eye in which the journalists of the Epica see through.
I believe in its judgment so that the festival can be reborn with new strength.” Ferju Cuevas Founder & Chief Creative Officer - 1947 Bolivia
I believe in its judgment so that the festival can be reborn with new strength.” Ferju Cuevas Founder & Chief Creative Officer - 1947 Bolivia
“We have quite a lot prestigious festivals in our industry. And we love them. But, they are all judged by industry professionals. I think we really need a festival which is different from them. A festival that gives us a new perspective. A different angle. From the journalists point of view. That’s why we adore Epica Awards.”
Istvan Bracsok
Chief Creative Officer -
hite Rabbit Hungary
“Epica is the equivalent of what once was the Golden Globe of our industry. Journalists bring an outsider’s perspective even while seeing the world of advertising from deep within. That’s priceless.”
jagdish acharya
Creative Founder -
cutthecrap India
“Now more than ever, it takes broader perspectives and sharing outside of one's own bubble to capture creativity and relevance that plays a real role in people's lives.
We are grateful that Epica sheds this different light. In short: Epica is fresh oxygen that brings diversification to the creative scene.” Jana Apostolopulu Executive Creative Director - Create to change Germany
We are grateful that Epica sheds this different light. In short: Epica is fresh oxygen that brings diversification to the creative scene.” Jana Apostolopulu Executive Creative Director - Create to change Germany
“Like consumers, journalists only fall in love with advertising, when their attention is earned. Be that through its uniqueness, ingenuity, social importance or ability to move to the recipient to laughter or tears. It’s at those “watercooler” moments, the marketing communication becomes worthy of reporting to a broader audience. That’s why, the Epica Awards are truly important to the advertising industry. It’s jury of reputable journalists ensure the award-winning work stems from a human and public interest and not only the marketing communication industry.”
Jason Romeyko
Global Executive Creative Director -
Service plan Group Germany
“The press is the voice of the people, and as creatives, we want people to connect with our ideas. That's the significance of an award like Epica – it brings us closer to the kind of advertising that people enjoy.”
Joffre Carmona
CCO -
Buentipo Anchor Colombia
“Winning at Epica has different pride from other shows. It's unique cos it's a press-only jury panel. They are tough, and criticizing.”
Jon Chalermwong
Chief Creative -
audacity bangkok Thailand
“There's no shortage of awards for the industry to pat itself on the back. Having media assess the work we do brings a true cultural perspective and is a great reminder of who we should really be making work for - media, culture, and people.”
Josh Budd
Chief Creative Officer -
Citizen Relations Canada
“From my role as Chief Comms Officer (sorry, I´m not creative), I totally consider journalists as partners in this industry. Journalism point of view at Epica Awards allows the agencies to enrich creatives campaigns outcomes, as journalists provide with an integrated analysis: what´s the story behind the creative idea and how it impact people”
Marina Piacentini
Chief Communications Officer Latam -
Ogilvy Argentina
“Within the agency and the network the creatives always celebrate an Epica Award because you get honoured by the press, by journalists who really dig into stories.”
Masako Okamura
Creative Director -
Dentsu Japan
“Epica brings another point of view to our creative industry: that of experienced and passionate journalists.
Journalists who tell and comment on our industry every day. Their view is not that of those who make things,
but that of those who are confronted on a daily basis with the major issues in our businesses, who analyse and question,
with a certain distance and rigour. It's an important, unique and necessary award.” Matthieu ELKAIM President – CCO - Ogilvy France
Journalists who tell and comment on our industry every day. Their view is not that of those who make things,
but that of those who are confronted on a daily basis with the major issues in our businesses, who analyse and question,
with a certain distance and rigour. It's an important, unique and necessary award.” Matthieu ELKAIM President – CCO - Ogilvy France
“Many award shows tend to celebrate creative work within the ad industry bubble. What makes EPICA so valuable is its connection to the real world.”
Myles Lord
Managing Creative Director -
Service plan Group Germany
“There is no award like the "Epica Awards". Its jury system, led 100% by journalists, guarantees the impartiality of the award, it is the only one that avoids the biases that creatives have, who always have vested interests since their pieces are in competition.”
Pancho González
CCO -
Inbrax Chile
“The Epica awards has carved out a unique niche in the advertising awards landscape and deserves to be reinstated in the creative award shows. Having a “press only” jury offers distinct advantages over the other international creative awards as journalists bring impartiality, a diverse and international viewpoint, and media visibility that brings recognition beyond the industry. Please consider reinstating the Epica Awards as it truly stands out as a significant award show to uphold.”
Patricia Malone
CCO -
Freshblood Group USA
“Being acknowledged by fellow creatives, that's what I like about creative awards. Yet, it's just as important to be recognized by a wider audience. Think about journalists – they've got that impartial eye for evaluating ideas and sensing the cultural currents. That's why Epica adds an interesting dimension to award shows.”
Peter Ampe
CCO -
Famous Grey Belgium
“If we respect the people we are advertising to, we have to respect the trade press as partners, and not as messengers.”
Piyush Pandey
Chief Creative Officer Worldwide -
Ogilvy India
“A journalistic point of view gives us an outside perspective and almost brings the voice of the people into the conversations.”
Rachna Dhall-Haasnoot
Creative Director & Partner -
Made in Amsterdam Netherlands
“What truly makes the EPICA Awards special is the way it is judged. By journalists who have unbiased opinions and truly celebrate culture and creativity. It’s always great honor when journalists think your work is great.”
Raymund Sison
Partner and Chief Creative Officer -
Propel Manila Philippines
“The Epica Awards are of unique importance to the Ad industry because they provide it with an invaluable link to journalism and global public affairs which dictate the ultimate relevance of the creative work being made by agencies, brands & businesses.”
Rob Doubal
Co-President & CCO -
McCann London United Kingdom
“Creativity needs unique points of view, especially those that a brutally direct, honest and thoughtful. And you’ll get all that in beautiful doses from a journalist. So having a unique creative awards show, like the EPICA, that is judged by journalists is exactly what the industry needs.”
Ronald Ng
Global CCO -
MRM USA
“Different perspectives can mean different conclusions.
If you really make the best of the best in advertising, diverse juries and the voices of journalists, help validate the real quality of your work.” Selma Þorsteinsdóttir Chief Creative Director - Pipar\TBWA Islande
If you really make the best of the best in advertising, diverse juries and the voices of journalists, help validate the real quality of your work.” Selma Þorsteinsdóttir Chief Creative Director - Pipar\TBWA Islande
“In addition to the global recognition and respected history, the Epica Awards' jury members are specialized journalists in communication and marketing, representing magazines and publications from around the world. This approach ensures an impartial judgment and a unique perspective, making it fairer and more reliable for the creative community.”
Sergio Gordilho
CCO -
Africa Brazil
“The Epica awards have always been an important part in my creative career. The recognition
from my peers is obviously key, but so is recognition from clients, consumers... and journalists!” Stéphane Xiberras Head of Havas Global Creative Council, President of BETC - BETC France
from my peers is obviously key, but so is recognition from clients, consumers... and journalists!” Stéphane Xiberras Head of Havas Global Creative Council, President of BETC - BETC France
“I think Epica was a great award as it was inbetween the more prestigious awards and it worked as a barometer to see how your stacked up against European competition.”
tony hector
Group Creative Director/ head of art -
VCCPBlue