Since 1967, ADCN - the Dutch club for creativity in advertising and design - has celebrated the Netherlands' best creative ideas and craft with its award show, the Lamps.

On April 17th 2018 the 51st awards show was held at the National Opera & Ballet. Out of almost 1,000 entries the juries awarded 1 Grand Prix, 3 Gold, 18 Silver and 39 Bronze Lamps.

We've put together a showcase of some of the most awarded and most intriguing work from the many amazing examples you can explore in ADCN's new digital archive. 

Category / Prize: Grand Prix, Digital Social & Mobile / Gold, Integrated / Gold, Brand Activation & Experience / Silver

Client: KPN

Creative: N=5

Craft: Pupkin, Superhero Cheesecake

What the jury said: “The ADCN Grand Prix was awarded to Evert_45, the project by N=5 for KPN that won six Lamps across six different categories, including Gold in Digital & Social & Mobile Advertising and Integrated Advertising. The Grand Prix is the most creative and groundbreaking work of the year. 

“Telecom brand KPN reimagined stories from the Second World War for the digital age, connecting generations in a campaign for Dutch Remembrance and Liberation day. KPN imagined the story of a boy called Evert, and put it onto YouTube vlogs and Instagram posts to make his story seem real for the younger generation. His experience includes an account of his journey to find his brother in hiding after escaping a German labor camp, viewable on the campaign website. KPN conceived the campaign in partnership with the National Committee for 4 and 5 May (Remembrance Day and Liberation Day) as well as and the Dutch Resistance Museum.”

“Making a heavy subject accessible. Really digital in the heart of the idea, very well translated to the platforms.”

“Definitely one of the most outstanding pieces this years’ awards. The Netherlands oldest and biggest provider connects present with past in a beautiful and compelling way.”

“History translated to modern visual language. The idea and execution are high class and well fitting for the brand. It’s educational and even executed with a subtle but well-balanced sense of humor. An excellent piece of work that’s worth sharing.”

Category / Prize:  Craft - Music / Gold

Client: Marc Jacobs

Creative: i-D

Craft: Vice, Halal

What the jury said: “As if someone dropped some acid in your morning coffee. It is like a doorway to that place we call creativity, where raw passion, escapism and tribalism spark the fire of our collective mojo. If craft can make you feel this, it must be golden. Deep bow from jury and no doubt the audience."

Category / Prize: Branded Content & Entertainment / Silver, Integrated / Silver, Brand Activation & Experience / Bronze, Digital / Bronze, Digital & Social & Mobile / Bronze

Client: Vodafone

Creative: DDB & Tribal Amsterdam

Craft: WeFilm

What the jury said: “Strong idea. Powerful insight brought lo life in a very relevant way. Both for the brand and the audience. Crafted really well. And smart use of brand ambassadors.”

“The ultimate example of how technology contributes to better communication and making an actual difference. Not a quick fix but a relevant solution with longevity.”

“Touching story of how technology can be a of great help overcoming speech disorder. It boils down to the essence of what mobile technology is about; communication.”

“The app, the music and even the celebrities work seamlessly together in a story that flows naturally, doesn’t brag or gets overly sentimental.”

“Beautiful example of a real design-solution based on a strong insight. Idea, style, interface, content with celebrities; everything is right.”

“Great way of using youth culture and tech. It’s very relevant to the band and feels fresh and innovative.”

Category / Prize: Cinematography / Silver, Film & Video / Silver, Film Direction / Bronze 

Client: Plus

Creative: J. Walter Thompson Amsterdam

Craft: Pink Rabbit

What the jury said: “The judges were impressed by the well-executed and subtle camera work. An outstanding combination of a classic story with a modern feel while staying away from clichés."

“It’s quite common these days to see Christmas ads designed to pull at your heart strings, but hitting the perfect note is far from easy. We were moved by this modern family story that is incredibly well told and undeniably emotional.”

“It’s a challenging film to make, in subject and storytelling. It can only be a success when the director pours their soul into it. And it shows.”

Category / Prize: Branded Content & Entertainment / Silver, Strategy / Bronze, Art Direction / Bronze, PR & Influencer / Bronze 

Client: Zorg En Zekerheid

Creative: Dawn

Craft: Dawn, Hagens PR

What the jury said: “This is what branded content is about. Strong insight. Which is executed really well. We like the fact that it’s not a video but a book. It solves a topic that their audience is struggling with. This case has longevity. And we encourage an international lens on the case video. And can’t wait for the international version of the idea.”

“It feels like the first positive step in a bigger platform that could change millennials view of health and insurance. We look forward to see what else this campaign will do next to play a role in their lives.”

“A modern, made-for-millennials take on the classic Havank silhouette. Executed in a subdued style and with a keen eye for detail, lovingly crafted and very collectible. A campaign you want to own.”

“Using and analogue medium to reach a young target audience is very brave. The product makes people aware of a problem and offers the solution at the same time.”

Category / Prize: Impact / Silver, Product / Bronze 

Client: KPN

Creative: N=5

What the jury said: “This idea is brilliant by its obviousness. It also has the biggest impact because it is a big group of people that would use it. It is so good it should be a law, it should be obliged for people to use this.”

“It innovates and inspires the industry by developing an open source solution. We feel this is a way of applying creativity to make a meaningful difference in society.”

Category / Prize: Film & Video / Silver

Client: Ford

Creative: Ogilvy & Mather Amsterdam

Craft: Pink Rabbit

What the jury said: “This is a smart, beautifully told story for Ford dealerships that also does a wonderful job elevating the brand. We loved the execution, the pitch perfect music, and the bravery of the client to show their product in such a down and dirty way.”

Category / Prize: Brand Activation & Experience / Silver

Client: Bavaria

Creative: Fama Volat

Craft: Blauw Gras & Cliff

What the jury said: “While many beer brands reinforce values like taste and craft, this campaign seems to know how to keep the fun in beer. Refreshing and smart, yet very simple.”

Category / Prize: Direct / Silver

Client: Volkswagen

Creative: Achtung! Mcgarrybowen

Craft: Captcha

What the jury said: “It’s a wannahave all daddy’s want. For their kids. And, secretly, for themselves.

“The design being copied by kids all around the nation, is not only a compliment for the creators but also an affirmation that Roboboy hit the target audience where you want to hit them: right in the heart.”

Category / Prize: Art Direction / Silver

Client: Appelsap Fresh Music Festival

Creative: Hong Kong Amsterdam

Craft: Appelsap & Halal

What the jury said: “A small scale, local festival comes out with a campaign with global appeal. Raw and impactful, yet accessible images keep coming like a pulsing heartbeat.”