If you’re not a journalist, there’s no way you’ll be invited onto the Epica Awards jury. But that doesn’t stop some creatives from trying. Created by Havas Paris, the 2025 Call For Entries campaign features Sir John Hegarty (Co-Founder and Creative Director at The Business of Creativity), Vicki Maguire (CCO Havas London) and Marco Venturelli (CEO and CCO of Publicis Conseil), unconvincingly disguised as they try to pass themselves off as press. The campaign uses light humour to remind entrants that the Epica Awards press jury is independent, objective and immune to industry politics.
Havas Paris Chief Creative Officer Stéphane Gaubert and Executive Creative Director Etienne Renaux commented: “We felt from the start that we should play on the unique feature of the Epica Awards, which is the jury. Then we imagined the ways creatives might try to gain access so they could have their say. We’re delighted that Sir John, Vicki and Marco agreed to play the game.”
Epica Awards Editorial Director Mark Tungate said: “We’re constantly stressing that our jury is only open to journalists, but every year we’re contacted by creatives who’d like to join. Stéphane and Etienne captured this in a really clear, fun way. Having such famous creative names on board is a real thrill and honour for us, too.”
Every effort is made to filter out “ghost” campaigns
The journalists on the jury are all experienced writers in the areas of advertising, design, PR and digital, as well as specialist sectors like production and photography. Naturally sceptical, they pay close attention to the provenance of campaigns and the results expressed in case studies. Every effort is made to filter out “ghost” campaigns and those that overclaim their impact.
The jury’s objectivity even extends to the fact that jurors are not allowed to vote for work from their own country. The Epica Awards are open for Early Bird entries until September 1. The normal entry period runs from that date until October 4.
Learn more about the Epica Awards here.
