From its inception 25 years ago, the ‘London Internationals’ quickly established themselves as one of only a handful of prestigious international awards that the creative advertising community coveted. Winning a statue, a certificate or a commendation earned great respect both from peers, in the industry itself and beyond. Throughout its 25-year existence, founder and guiding light has been President Barbara Levy who carries on the organisation and promotion of these honours to this day.
The Beginnings of the London International Awards
Established in 1986 in London, the London International Awards claims to be the first truly international awards in the advertising category and there are few in the industry who would argue. All the traditional methods of advertising and design were recognised in the first ceremony and Grand Prizes went to:
- Lowe Howard Spink Marschalk, London in the Print Category
- Joy Radio, New York in the Radio Category
- And Yellow Hammer, London in television.
The Jury President was the illustrious and most respected advertising guru, Don White and 2,600 entries were received from 37 countries.
The LIA Jury and Categories for 2010
The Jury, according to the organisers, is a group “comprised of the most talented, recognised and awarded individuals.” Each category as well as a group of judges also has its own allocated Jury President. In 2010 the categories reflected the changes in media since 1986, and the introduction of both the use of digital and new media. Categories included:
- Print, Poster and Billboard
- Television, Cinema and Online Film
- Design and Package Design
- Radio
- Music
- Various Craft and Production Technique awards.
And in 2010 or the first time in 25 years, the awards honoured, “the Network of the Year, Agency of the Year and Production Company of the Year.”
Except for the craft, production and technique awards, judging takes place in Wynn/Encore, Las Vegas and the organiser are keen to stress and ensure that the Jury, under the careful direction of each categories’ President, maintains LIA’s awards’ tradition of rewarding “inspirational ideas.”
The LIA 2010 Awards
The 2010 awards attracted 13,562 entries from a total of 79 countries so a considerable success in terms of number of entries since the first awards 25 years ago in 1986. A points system to determine the winners and finalists were decided by each jury category and the results for the ‘first time honours’ were:
- Network of the Year - Y&R
- Agency of the Year – RKCR / Y&R
- Production Company of the Year – MJZ.
The Annual Gala Celebrations for the LIA’s 25th Anniversary were held at the Troxy in London. Winners and finalists were awarded their statues and certificates, before all attendees congratulated or commiserated themselves in the after show party. The winners in all the categories were announced and awarded on the night including categories as inclusive as:
- Billboard; Design; Digital
- Package Design; Poster
- Print; Radio
- Television / Cinema On-Line,
- And The NEW category.
And reflecting the international nature of the award, the entrants and winners came from all over the globe. From cities as diverse as:
- New York; Stockholm; Mexico City
- Chicago; Munich; Brisbane
- Tokyo; Vancouver; Paris
- Bangkok; Istanbul;
- LA and Madrid.
Complete details of all the winners and finalists including pictures of award ceremony and the after show party are posted on the LIA Awards website.
After the LIA Awards
After the awards show in London, the organisers continue to show and promote the work through an on-line archive, and “industry forums exhibitions and presentations,” worldwide. It is perhaps this work as well as the award ceremony itself that continues to uphold the strong respect the London International Awards holds within the advertising industry worldwide.
Dan McCurdy - Dan McCurdy is a freelance writer producer creative and lecturer. Dan is one of the UK's most experienced radio writers and producers. ...
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