First for China as JWT Shanghai wins Print Grand LIA for Samsonite ‘Heaven and Hell’ at 26th annual London International Awards

JWT Shanghai is the first Chinese agency to win a Grand LIA at the 26th annual London International Awards presented tonight at the gala awards show in London. These awards make JWT Shanghai not only the most awarded in China, but the most awarded agency in the region at this year’s awards.

JWT Shanghai won the Print Grand LIA for Samsonite Suitcase titled “Heaven and Hell”. In addition this piece of work picked up four Gold Statues, one in Poster – Personal/Gift Items and three Gold Statues in Print for Use of Illustration, Art Direction and Personal/Gift Items.

JWT Shanghai also attained two Finalists. Both for M Jeans Fashion & Accessories titled “The Skate Wash Denim”, one in Non-Traditional – Apparel and the other in The NEW Category.

“This is the first time in our Show’s history that China has won a Grand LIA. With the kind of talent and work that is emerging from that market I am sure this will not be the last,” commented Barbara Levy, President of LIA. “In this year’s judging, you had to be way above the mark for the jury to even consider granting a Gold. So imagine how much higher the bar is for the Grand LIA. Well done to JWT Shanghai.”

This year only three Grand LIAs were awarded:  Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Boulder won the Grand LIA in The NEW Category for American Express OPEN “Small Business Saturday.”

Marshall Street Editors, London was awarded a Grand LIA in the Medium of TV/Cinema/Online Film – Technique for Heineken “The Entrance.” And JWT, Shanghai in the medium of Print for Samsonite Suitcase titled “Heaven and Hell.”

Of the 14,283 submissions, from 79 countries, less than four percent (3.6%) attained Shortlist status. Of those elite selections, only 0.4% won Gold Statues; 0.7% Silver Statues; 0.9% Bronze Statues and 1.5% Finalist. The vast number of submissions reflects the prestige and explosive growth of the London International Awards since its inception in 1986 when only 2,600 submissions were entered.

LIA also awarded three special awards:

Network of the Year: BBDO

Agency of the Year: BBDO New York

Post-Production Company of the Year: The Mill