• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, June 26, 2017

For the seventh straight year, WPP has won Holding Company Of The Year at Cannes.

This is interesting because Omnicom agencies won the other big BlahBlah Of The Year Awards, including Media Network (OMD Worldwide), Creative Network (BBDO Worldwide) and Agency (Clemenger BBDO Melbourne). 

But hey, it’s a numbers game -- and while WPP agencies may not have hit as many grand slams this year they did hit enough singles, doubles and triples to give WPP the highest point total among the major holding companies. Omnicom had to settle for runner-up, although having won all those other Of The Year honors, I’m guessing John Wren doesn’t care all that much. 

As the Cannes Lions Web site reminds us that “the winner will be the Holding Company whose member companies obtain the most points for shortlisted and awarded entries. Companies credited in the Idea Creation role, Media Placement role and PR role will get points towards Holding Company Of The Year depending on which Lion has been entered.” 

Sounds like some Lions count more than others, just like states in the Electoral College tally, which is why the Big Fat Orange-Haired Loser in the general election is now president. 

And for the true rules-and-regs freaks out there who want a more detailed explanation of how HCOY is awarded, try reading the full rule book which can be downloaded here. 

Separately, Independent Agency Of The Year went to Droga5 New York, whose founder, David Droga earlier won the Lion of St. Mark for his outstanding contribution to the industry. Marketer Of The Year went to Burger King. 

The Palme d’Or, given to the most awarded production company, went to MJZ, USA in first place, second to Smuggler, USA and third to The Mill, USA.