A Shoal of Wins
It is now 63 years ago since the Sharks started life as the International Awards Festival of Ireland. For the first couple of years, the Awards were held in Cork City, in a room above a local fish shop – yeah a fish shop! (so maybe that fact had something to do with the re-brand when it evolved to become the Sharks some years later).
Soon after its beginnings, it moved to the enchanting town of Kinsale where, still to this day, delegates gather every September to meet, network and take a well deserved break from the rigours of an ever demanding creative and craft industry.
The Shark Awards has over the years adapted to the changing landscape of the Advertising industry, adding new relevant sections and categories as it evolved to form part of the toolbox required to compete at an international level. Always recognising its legacy, integrity and tradition from its early roots in Ireland, it continues to host judging in Kinsale for the Advertising, Digital and Social Media categories. It is here that 38 judges assembled from around the world to lend their expertise and experience in awarding the iconic Shark Trophy to deserving winners.
It is fitting that from the numerous entries from Ireland, a shoal of trophies were awarded to Irish companies for work completed in 2024. Ireland won a total of 8 Gold Sharks, 6 Silver Sharks and 24 Bronze Sharks with 38 other entries achieving a Shortlist status. With so many to acknowledge here, you can see all the winners, those Shortlisted and their work in the Search Engine on the Shark Awards website.
It is worth noting that Publicis Dublin took 2 Gold Shark Awards for their work on Heineken “Pub Museum”, having entered in the International Category – a brave move against a global market that highlighted the calibre of work that is being created in Ireland.
“We are absolutely over the moon. It’s very rare an Irish Agency enters the International Category and to take home the Gold is something we are incredibly proud of. But it’s not just a win for our agency and our clients; it’s a win for creativity in Ireland. As the old saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats”. We have some amazing talent here and hopefully this win will inspire other Irish agencies and clients to commit to this type of work”. Peter Dobbyn – PUBLICIS DUBLIN.
The Grand Prix for Branded Content went to a film by production company BigStyle Media for The National Basketball Association entitled 'Lecanvey Lakers', created by Rob De Boer & Ben McDonald. A wonderful piece of film that truly displays the heart and soul of rural Ireland.
"It means the absolute world to us to win the Grand Prix. When we started this project we had no idea how close it would make us to our community in Mayo and how much it would mean to everyone involved. We are delighted that the film is resonating with audiences at home and abroad. As a small Production Company, to win not only a gold award on our first entry to The Sharks, but the Grand Prix, is really an honour. It is really rewarding to have our work validated in such a prestigious way". Rob, Ben & Emilie BIGSTYLE Media.
The Gold for Best Casting went to Holly Rodmon at Headrush Films for "Contact Hours", an emotive film about a University Caretaker who recognises his ailing relationship with his own son, following a tragedy on Campus grounds.
"We took great care to find the right actors to play all of the roles in Contact Hours, so to be recognised for our work feels really special. This film wouldn't be the same without the authentic, emotive and nuanced performances of Kris Hitchen, George Osborne, Ashleigh-Mae Schoburgh-Crooks and all of our supporting actors. Thank you to our incredible cast, and to the Shark Awards for this honour." Harry Richards (Director), Rufus Love (Writer) and Holly Rodmon (Casting Director).
Tony Cane-Honeysett, our Emmy award winning Judge, had this to say;
“Contact Hours” won the judges over with its casting, primarily due to the authenticity of the performances. There was an understated quality to the acting that made the film deeply believable, relatable, and emotionally engaging—even in moments of silence.
The cast played off each other seamlessly, enhancing their individual performances while collectively evoking emotions effortlessly, adding to the film’s realism.
The Shark Best New Talent Awards is an annual event that recognises the outstanding work of young, up-and-coming film industry professionals who specialise in advertising. This year, our winner was Hannah Lambert from TBWA whose award was presented to her at Kinsale.
QUOTE FROM HANNAH
Other notable Advertising & Design winners include; Connelly Partners, TBWA Dublin, Motherland, Folk VML, BBH Dublin, The Brill Building, Droga5, Showrunner, Folding Waves, Together We Create, Denis, Banjoman, Screen Scene, Core Creative, Scimitar Sound, Genesis & Butter.
In the world of Music Videos again there was a strong showing from Ireland with wins for Declan McKenna (best music video), Peadar Ó Goill (best editing) and once again Albert Hooi (best cinematography) who all picked up the cool Black Shark.
To all entrants who compete in the Shark Awards, we say thank you for your support and your determination to showcase your work at the highest level. To all winners we say congratulations, knowing that your work was truly outstanding and deserving of acknowledgement from the very best in our creative and craft industries.
Having completed the judging of Shark Short Films in Los Angeles we expect to congratulate more Irish winners and present them with their iconic Shark trophies.
In the coming weeks, the Shark Awards will be open for entries in 2025, if you think you have work that is a cut above the best, take advantage of the Early Bird offers – details will be on the Shark Awards website soon.
Oh and give yourself a break this September, hang out with the best in the business, make new friends and have some fun while you are at it. Dates for your diary for September 2025 are Wednesday 24th (open for registration) and the Festival finishes one minute past midnight on Saturday 27th.
See you in Kinsale!
Sláinte
Remember, BRANDS, AGENCIES, LABELS, PRODUCTION COMPANIES & REPS are now using our Sharks Search Tool to seek out award-winning talent for their next projects.
Enter The Sharks - awards lead to rewards.
GET RECOGNISED, GET LISTED, GET REWARDED.
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