Starcom, Mediacom and OMD top of the Festival of Media Global Awards shortlist 2013

The Festival of Media Global Awards today reveals the much anticipated shortlist for 2013, with Starcom and Mediacom tying for the highest number of shortlisted entries at 33 each. They are closely followed by OMD, which has 30 entries shortlisted for awards.

Organised by The Festival of Media Global founder C Squared, the highly popular awards are now in their 5th year, with an established reputation for recognising the very best of creative media thinking from around the world. This year's shortlist is made up of 186 campaigns from 30 countries, out an overall record breaking 1,000 entries.

The UK is in first place in terms of number of shortlisted entries, soaring ahead from third in 2012, followed by the US and Australia. New Zealand has rocketed ahead from 25th place last year to 5th. Spain, Thailand and Germany are the fastest growing countries for shortlisted entry numbers.

ASOS' #bestnightever is the most shortlisted campaign appearing in 'Best Communications Strategy', 'Best Digitally Integrated Campaign', 'Best Entertainment Platform', 'Best Use of Content' and 'Best Use of Emerging Technology'.

This year's two new categories have been particularly hotly contested. Entries from the US, UK, Australia, Thailand, Spain and South Africa have been singled out as finalists for the inaugural 'BRAVES' category for best branded video content.

The UK dominates in 'Best Launch Campaign', the second of this year's two new categories, taking six of the 13 spots.

Entries across the board show strong social media integration and engagement, with many campaigns led by a Twitter hashtag call to action and innovative uses of platforms such as Facebook. Content-focussed branded apps also feature prominently in the shortlist.

The awards are judged by a global panel of industry experts, including brand representatives such as Georges-Edouard Dias of L'Oréal, Sital Banerjee of Philips, Hala Badin of du and Lotta Edstrom of Novartis. Agencies are represented on the panel by the likes of John Sheehy of Starcom, Pele Cortizo-Burgess of MEC and Belinda Rowe of Zenith Optimedia.

Ben Jankowski, Group Head of Global Media at MasterCard Worldwide and Chair of the Awards Jury for 2013 comments: "To say I am impressed with the level of talent the Jury and I have witnessed is an understatement. Our shortlisted entries not only demonstrate expertise, creativity and strength, but highlight how media, when used effectively, can change attitudes and perceptions, and inspire actions.

"I have also been impressed by the international diversity shown on the shortlist, showing that real talent can come from any part of the world. It will be a tough call to choose the winners but all will be unveiled in Montreux - good luck and see you there."

Campaign entries will be available on www.creamglobal.com. The Festival of Media Global 2013 Awards winners will be announced at a gala dinner on the final night of this year's Festival which is being held in Montreux, Switzerland from April 28-30, 2013.

Click here to view the full Festival of Media Global Awards shortlist.