Cannes Contenders: 2024's Non-Network Entries from the US

Although we've spent the last couple of weeks covering the Cannes Contenders from agency networks around the globe, the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity certainly doesn't exclude the independents and other non-network entities within the industry. With that in mind, we reached out to the 'best of the rest' - top creative agencies from all over the US - and gathered some of the projects that these companies have submitted for awards, with which their highest hopes rest.

Read on below to see all the projects from: Deutsch, Highdive, nice&frank, Tombras, Day One Agency, Atlantic New York, Translation, Mother, Arts & Letters Creative Co., Zambezi, Cornett and Majority.

Taco Bell - Freeing Taco T***day

Deutsch LA 

PetSmart - Rescue Writer

Deutsch LA 

State Farm - Neighbaaa

Highdive

Les Mills - Happiness Ambassador

nice&frank

"Building ideas that invite people to do something as fun as moving to New Zealand to learn the art of happiness is what this business is about. Why just talk at people when you can bring them into the story? Cannes has always celebrated new ways to involve people in a brand’s story, and the 'Happiness Ambassador' programme is just that." - Laura Petruccelli, co-founder and CCO of nice&frank.

Spangler Candy Company - Sweethearts Situationships

Tombras

AT&T -  Sound of Silence        

Translation

Chipotle x Strava - No Quitters Day

Day One Agency

“We helped Chipotle forge a partnership with the world’s largest athlete community, Strava, and got people running to their nearest Chipotle to grab a Lifestyle Bowl. By transforming 'Quitters Day' into 'No Quitters Day' and keeping users committed to their New Year’s Resolutions, it was rewarding to see fitness enthusiasts literally running to their nearest Chipotle to grab the re-launched Lifestyle Bowls. We were blown away by the results - as the campaign not only resulted in 9.25m miles run, but also drove a 20% increase in Lifestyle Bowl sales.” - Josh Rosenberg, CEO at Day One Agency.

Maison Pixel - Streaming Undies

Atlantic New York

"The 'Streaming Undies by Maison Pixel' were launched in response to findings that gen z and millennials are experiencing historically low levels of sexual activity, much of which is attributed to increased screen time. Atlantic New York turned this insight into a creative opportunity, designing a line of chroma key underwear that integrates with social media - environments where these demographics are most active. The campaign directly targeted tech-savvy consumers by leveraging an Instagram filter that transforms the underwear into a streaming screen. This approach not only sparked curiosity and dialogue but also drove direct sales and measurable engagement with the brand. By bringing the product to life through social media, Maison Pixel effectively reached its audience on their most frequented platforms, making the campaign a strategic success in direct marketing and consumer interaction." - João Coutinho, co-founder and CCO at Atlantic New York.

Postmates - This Is Your Brain on Food

Mother LA

Other campaign films here

Amica Insurance - More Human

Mother New York

HubSpot - Winning Q4

Arts & Letters Creative Co.

"The B2B space is cluttered with buzzwords and work that all looks the same. Through HubSpot's 'Winning Q4' campaign, we focused on the emotions that our audience feels so often in meeting business goals, and we put them at the centre of the story in a relatable and entertaining way. We're lucky HubSpot sees the value in taking creative risks and that they want to show up with a different and refreshing POV than others in the B2B category." - Molly Navalinski, group business director at Arts & Letters.

Under Armour - Armour Up

Zambezi

VisitLEX - Hey Aliens! Look at Lexington.

Cornett

Coca-Cola - New Guy

Majority