• by Staff Writers , January 9, 2005

For the second year in a row, Publicis Groupe's Starcom Mediavest Group was named Agency of the Year by MEDIA and OMMA (formerly MEDIA) Magazines, published by MediaPost Communications. Starcom IP, the online arm of Starcom MediaVest Group, won top honors for Interactive Agency of the Year.

SMG, whose client roster includes Heinz, MasterFoods, and Applebee's, was awarded top honors for its impressive list of new business wins and foresight. Carat took the silver for its vision, energy, and embrace of technology. Carat's clients include Proctor & Gamble, Sean John, and adidias.

OMD and MindShare tied for the bronze. Judges noted OMD's exceptional research and reorganized client services; clients include Sears and Nissan. MindShare won judges over with its groundbreaking branded entertainment projects; clients include American Express. Fallon took top honors as having the best integrated media department, and TargetCast was cited as an up-and-coming agency--and one to watch.

The Interactive Agency of the Year awards honored the agencies' distinctive qualities, including interactive media strategy, leadership, and creativity.

SMG's Starcom IP took first place for its forward-thinking strategies. Starcom IP's clients include Miller Brewing, Polaroid, and Hallmark. The silver winner is Digitas, a progressive and innovative leader in digital marketing and media that counts American Express and GM among its clients.

Carat Interactive took the bronze for its sharp focus on integration, progressive tendencies, and strong leadership. Carat's clients include adidas and Pfizer. In addition, AKQA was acknowledged for its creative prowess, while aQuantive's Avenue A and WPP Group's The Digital Edge/Outrider tied for honors in the "one to watch" category.

Winners will be honored at a celebration on Jan. 13, 2005 at the Yale Club in New York, NY.