The shortlists were announced across the awards 21 categories including: Brand Experience & Activation, Creative Commerce, Creative Effectiveness, Creative Strategy, Design, Digital, Direct, Entertainment, Film, Film Craft, Glass: The Award for Change, Healthcare, Industry Craft, Integrated, Media, Mobile, Outdoor, PR, Print & Publishing, Radio & Audio and Social & Influencer.

No shortlist was announced for the Grand Prix for Good category – winner will be directly announced at the awards ceremony.

There were 401 shortlisted entries across the categories with Film Craft receiving the most amount of shortlists at 46. Publicis Groupe network received the most amount of shortlists.

The entries were judged by by a diverse group of more than 70 global experts and leaders. The jury also had three See It Be It Alumni join the line-up, which is the highest representation the Dubai Lynx Jury has seen before. Vietnam was also represented on the juries for the first time.

Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, said, “After a fantastic day at the Festival yesterday, we’re delighted to announce the shortlists ahead of the winners announcement, which will set the benchmark for both creative excellence and marketing strategy and effectiveness in the Middle East and North Africa. It was an immensely proud moment to bring the region’s creative community together to network, learn and be inspired by the rich mix of speakers and champions for creativity in the region. Congratulations to all of those who have been shortlisted and we look forward to celebrating the winners tonight at the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony.”

Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, added, “We are thrilled to announce the shortlists for Dubai Lynx this year, and to see a return to a physical Festival. The diverse and distinctive work that emerges from MENA is always highly anticipated and this year’s showing doesn’t disappoint. We’re excited to see the work that the Juries will go on to award. I’d like to thank our Jurors for all their hard work and dedication in setting the benchmark for creative excellence across the region.”

 Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President, Dubai Media City, part of TECOM Group, commented, “Dubai’s reputation as a creative capital is on the rise, attracting brilliant minds from around the world. Dubai Lynx is an opportunity to celebrate this ever-growing community and their outstanding quality of work. A huge congratulations to the shortlisted campaigns on behalf of Dubai Media City. We are eager to see who rises to the top at the Award Ceremony, but the ultimate prize is the spotlight on Dubai’s flourishing creative ecosystem and economy.”

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on the night of March 15 at Madinat Jumeirah. During the Ceremony, Yum! Brands will be honoured as the Dubai Lynx Advertiser of the Year, Khaled AlShehhi will be honoured as Advertising Person of the Year, Outstanding Contribution and all other Special Awards will also be revealed.