Since 1962, D&AD has played a vital role in stimulating and celebrating creative excellence, and it remains as important as ever to support the work of the creative community during this period of great uncertainty. The constraints of the pandemic have challenged creatives to produce work that reflects and responds to our new realities and this year’s awards will celebrate work from the past 12 months, to demonstrate how innovative ideas can produce better outcomes for all. The entries this year have not only surpassed expected numbers but also continue to show the quality of work being produced within the creative sectors.

338 entries have been Shortlisted for the Awards across the Craft and Side Hustle categories and come off the back of a robust number of entries for the 2021 Awards which is a testament to the value of recognising exceptional creative work, reiterated in this year’s Awards manifesto ‘Work that matters must be seen’.

Shortlisted entries from 15 categories have been announced today ahead of the second stage of shortlisted entries being announced on 18 May.

Across these categories, the top ranking countries by number of shortlisted entries are:

1. United Kingdom - 95 entries
   
2. United States - 92 entries
   
3. France - 35 entries
   
4. Germany - 15 entries
   
5. Brazil - 10 entries
   
6. India - 9 entries
   
7. Australia and New Zealand - 8 entries each
   
8. Japan and Sweden - 7 entries each

The top 5 ranking companies for these categories, by number of shortlisted entries are:

1. Droga5 New York - 14 entries
   
2. AMVBBDO - 11 entries
   
3. Publicis Conseil - 9 entries
   
4. Adam&eveDDB - 8 entries
   
5. TBWA\Paris and Somesuch - 6 entries each

The total number of entries shortlisted in each category are:

1. Animation - 36 entries
   
2. Art Direction - 38 entries
   
3. Casting - 26 entries
   
4. Cinematography - 8 entries
   
5. Direction - 41 entries
   
6. Editing - 19 entries
   
7. Illustration - 22 entries
   
8. Photography - 13 entries
   
9. Production Design - 10 entries
   
10. Side Hustle - 13 entries
    
11. Sound Design & Use of Music - 42 entries
    
12. Typography - 8 entries
    
13. Visual Effects - 19 entries
    
14. Writing for Advertising - 20 entries
    
15. Writing for Design - 23 entries

All 338 shortlisted pieces are showcased on the D&AD website.

2021 submissions have seen a substantial increase in entries from nearly all regions. Western Asia & India have seen the most significant change with an uplift of 47% since 2019, followed by Oceania (42%) USA and Canada (41%), Latin America (28%), UK (22%), Africa (19%), Europe (12%) and China (9%). In addition, 20% of this year’s submissions came from new entrants.

As part of D&AD’s commitment to improving accessibility and diversity in the creative sector, particularly during the current economic climate, small businesses and freelancers were offered a 25% discount to enter their work.

Dara Lynch, chief operating officer at D&AD commented: “Creatives have faced extraordinary challenges over the past year and there has been mounting concern for the longevity and success of our industry. However, the exceptional entry figures for the 2021 Awards is testament to the resolve of our sector and demonstrates that amidst the chaos of the last 12 months, creativity has flourished. This year’s Awards will recognise and celebrate the inspirational responses and ingenuity borne out of and despite the pandemic, within a rapidly evolving social, economic and cultural context. As this year’s Awards manifesto states ‘Work that matters must be seen’ and we hope that everyone has the chance to see and be inspired by the very best work produced by our industry.”

Donal Keenan, awards director at D&AD commented: “It has been a real honour hosting the D&AD Awards judging again this year... the insight, expertise and consideration shared by the judges has been invaluable. A true testament to their commitment to seek out creative excellence. The standard of work this year has truly raised the bar.”

Pencil winners will be announced in two separate virtual awards ceremonies on 26 and 27 May respectively. For more information, visit: www.dandad.org/ceremony.