Deadline Extended

PARIS, Wednesday: The Epica Awards – the only global ad show judged by journalists (including M+AD ed David Gapes) – has extended its entry deadline to Monday 16 November.

Epica editorial director/jury host Mark Tungate said: “It’s gratifying to note that many agencies have already entered work this year and we want to warmly thank them for their support, which is much appreciated.”

But he added that some agencies had asked for more time to enter – while others were finalising seasonal campaigns that Epica hoped to show the jury. “We want to give agencies and ourselves enough leeway to ensure that the year’s best work is represented,” Tungate said.

“Many journos on the jury this year have requested a Covid-19 category.”

One of the big prizes up for grabs is the Responsibility Grand Prix, sponsored for the third year running by ACT Responsible. ACT stands for Advertising Community Together. Its mission is to share good practices and inspire and unite the advertising industry around social responsibility and sustainable development.

The Grand Prix will be chosen from the winners of the Public Interest categories, including the new Covid-19 Communications category. While there has been some debate around pandemic-related entries, Mark Tungate recently commented: “Ignoring an entire chapter of advertising history is exactly the opposite of what our jury of journalists is here for.”

He noted that many journalists on the jury had requested a Covid-19 category in the early days of the pandemic. “They want to reward the work that has genuinely helped communities during this period,” he said.

The Responsibility Grand Prix will be awarded on December 17 during the virtual Epica Awards ceremony, along with the Grand Prix for Film, Print, Design, Digital and PR.

• www.epica-awards.com