The Monkeys, part of Accenture Song, has won the Film Grand Prix at Cannes Lions for Sydney Opera House, Play it Safe.
Film Lions jury president Tor Myhren, VP marketing communications at Apple, described Play It Safe as a celebration of the creative spirit, of brave ideas and taking huge risks in the face of critics and controversy and cultural norms.
"Quite simply, it’s the best film of the year and makes you proud to be in this industry," said Myhren.
The Monkeys created an original song that celebrated the Opera House’s creative spirit and reminded Australia that the best things only happen when you refuse to play it safe.
Collaborating with songwriter and satirist Tim Minchin and director Kim Gehrig as well the Sydney Opera House’s resident companies and performers, Play it Safe is a visual and musical love letter to ignoring the rules.
“This work is a rambunctious reminder to be creatively brave (just like the Opera House itself) and not ‘Play It Safe’," said Tara Ford, chief creative officer, Growth Markets (APAC + LATAM), Accenture Song.
"So, for this work to take out the Cannes film Grand Prix is so gratifying. It’s not an exaggeration to say this is a dream come true.
"So many amazing people were involved, thanks to all their grit and talent we pulled it off. Special shout out goes to the wonderful Tim Minchin and Kim Gehrig. Here’s to creativity and its enduring power to move and motivate each and every one of us.”
Mark Green, lead - Australia & New Zealand, Accenture Song, said the team was thrilled to be recognised on the world stage for work promoting the Sydney Opera House.
"So many people devoted their talents to making this happen and Tim Minchin and Kim Gehrig delivered the magic. Our client also went on a journey that wasn’t for the faint-hearted," he said.
"A shout out to Jade McKellar, Stephen O’Connor, Joanne Been and of course Susan Coghill from Tourism Australia. The team at Revolver also sweated this from beginning to end and that’s what makes Michael Ritchie and Pip Smart the best in the business. A final shout out to the team at The Monkeys, what an achievement!”
Neil Heymann, global chief creative officer, Accenture Song, said he couldn’t be more delighted to see The Monkeys team and Accenture Song and partners acknowledged in this way.
"The piece is an ever-necessary reminder of the power of creative ambition and sailing in unchartered waters," said Heymann.
"And a beautifully written, artfully visualised reminder at that. Makes me proud to work at Song, proud to be a creative and proud to be an Aussie expat.”
This is the sixth consecutive year Accenture Song has clinched a Cannes Lions top honour.
Accenture Song last year took home the Titanium Grand Prix for Tuvalu The First Digital Nation.
In 2022, the Direct Lions Grand Prix for its Super Bowl spot, Less Talk, More Bitcoin, for Coinbase.
In 2021 the Creative Data Grand Prix for Saylists, for Warner Music.
The Film Craft Grand Prix for “The Truth Is Worth It”, for The New York Times and in 2018 the Creative Data Grand Prix for “JFK Unsilenced”, for The Times UK.
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