Cannes Contenders 2026: Australia / New Zealand

Slather - The Sun Is Not Your Friend

So many public health service announcements haven't quite worked out that comedy horror is a brilliant way to get to their audiences but Slather has. First class idea and execution from SICKDOGWOLFMAN and directors Will & Sej.

National Herpes Foundation - The Best Place In The World To Have Herpes 

Motion Sickness have managed to turn a skin condition into a national branding exercise. 

There is nothing better than a great joke, well told... and the New Zealanders do that so well. 

Bonds - Made for Down Under

Special Group and director Stefan Hunt brilliantly play up to the deadly Australian outback trope, while also celebrating the great Aussie suburban backyard, using hot celeb talent and a beautifully executed one shotter

Bank West - Just Enough Bank

These spots from Bear Meets Eagle On Fire are so distinctive across the board. 

From the writing to the casting, direction from Steve Ayson, performances, sound and music. Impossible to forget and instantly recognisable when the next in the series comes along.

Music Australia - Algorithmia

Once again a very smart idea from Bureau of Everything and Versus that makes the complex simple using great craft and execution. 

A true celebration of Australian creativity.