Australia and New Zealand’s interactive media industry has been well represented at this year’s 13th annual Webby Awards.
The Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from more than 60 countries Finalists were represented from 20 countries, with 11 from Australia and 17 from New Zealand.
The Hyperfactory, hailing from New Zealand but with a global presence including Australia, garnered eight nominations for mobile and cross platform campaigns for clients Nike, Toyota and the recent AIMIA award winning United Nations Voices Project.
Australian nominees include Tourism Australia's Consumer Site - australia.com, Euro RSCG Australia’s -The Quantum Code campaign, and the Commonwealth Bank’s -CommSec iPhone application. Australian digital agency Amnesia’s integrated campaign, Smirnoff Secret Party, made the finals in the Integrated Campaign category. Australian arts start-up success story RedBubble.com was recognized with a nomination in the best online community category.
Australian creative digital agency Circul8 also secured a nomination for Best Rich Media (Non-Profit Educational category) for it’s Greenpeace Save-A-Whale campaign. "Nominees like Circul8 are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the internet. It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the nearly 10,000 entries we received this year" said David-Michel Davies, executive director of the Webby Awards.
While Wanted Digital scored a nomination in the Broadband for the website 12 Canoes. Wanted Digital is also an Official Honoree for the Art category. The Official Honoree distinction is awarded to the top 15% of all work entered. Wanted Digital Strategy Director and Managing Partner, Cora Spear said “we are absolutely thrilled to be nominated in these prestigious awards and really appreciate the industry’s affirmation of our creative work. It’s a fantastic start for our new company and recognition of our belief that high production values are worth pursuing.”
Winners are chosen by the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences whose members include David Bowie, Harvey Weinstein, Arianna Huffington, Matt Groening, Internet inventor Vinton Cerf, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, Virgin Group Chairman Richard Branson, and R/GA Chairman and CEO Bob Greenberg.
"Even during challenging times the Internet has proven to be a breeding ground for experimentation and innovation. It's inspiring to see so many of this year's nominees harnessing the power of social networks, mobile, and video to push the medium in exciting new directions," added Davies.
This year's winners will be announced on May 5th, 2009 and honored at a star-studded ceremony in New York City on June 8th. A full list of nominees can be found at: www.webbyawards.com/nominees.
Unlike other awards shows, where only judges choose the winners, The Webby Awards also give the public an opportunity to decide who will take home a Webby. Starting today through April 30, fans can cast their votes in The Webby People's Voice Awards at http://pv.webbyawards.com
