10. Art Institute of Chicago – “Van Gogh Bnb”

Ever wanted to spend the night in a painting? This campaign, which originally won 14 Cannes Lions at the 2016 Cannes festival, was created by Leo Burnett Chicago. They recreated a real-life version of the bedroom from Van Gogh’s painting “The Bedroom” and posted it on Airbnb as an actual listing. The campaign came out just as the real painting made its way to North America for the first time, including a stop at The Art Institute of Chicago. This spot won the Creative Effectiveness Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2017.

9. Åland Index – “Baltic Sea Project”

This is awesome. The Bank of Åland has decided to replace the traditional plastic cards with environmental friendly cards that can offer the customers an opportunity to see both their environmental footprint and how to compensate for it. This spot won the Cyber Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2017.

8. War Child – “Batman”

International music agency MassiveMusic teamed up with War Child, In Case of Fire, Sony and Universal to create a timely and powerful new film that highlights the plight of young refugees. Only in fantasy can these kids can escape reality.

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7. Red Cross – “Merry Christmas from Syria”

“Let It Snow” by Dean Martin is one of the cheeriest Christmas songs of all time, evoking happiness, good times, snow and most of all celebrating the holidays with one’s family. For the residents of Aleppo, Syria, these simple pleasures must seem a world way. By juxtaposing horrible news footage over this holiday classic, the Red Cross cuts through the noise and starts an uncomfortable but hugely important conversation.

6. Kenzo – “My Mutant Brain”

Ridiculous? Sure. Over the top? Absolutely. Spike Jonze directing? Okay then!

5. The Blaze – “Territory”

The Blaze are two Parisian (by-way-of Ivory Coast) cousins named Jonathan and Guillaume Alric. They create intimate, hypnotizing music with a foot in the door of both house and pop. This video for the track “Territory” is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and reminds us that sometimes you can’t go home again. Winner of the Film Craft Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2017.

4. Adidas – “Original is Never Finished”

Created by Johannes Leonardo and directed by RSA’s Terence Neale, this video illustrates the concept of originality as a constant work in progress. It juxtaposed creative and cultural legends with up-and-comers: skateboard legend Gonz with French pro-skater Lucas Puig, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with young Lakers pro Brandon Ingram. It also features artist Petra Collins’ spin on Boticelli’s “Birth of Venus” and Snoop Dogg’s reinvention of his classic “Doggystyle” album cover. The wild “My Way” remix helps to dramatize and unify the dazzling array of imagery.

3. Rio 2016 Paralympics – “We’re the Superhumans”

If you don’t love this spot, we have nothing to talk about. Just totally creative, inspiring and important. Winner of the Film Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2017.

2. MailChimp – “Did You Mean MailChimp?”

Personally, I want to hear an entire album made on the WhaleSynth. Maybe a cover album? Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Whale Synth Band. Someone get on this. Winner of the Cyber Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2017.

1. Transport Accident Commission Victoria – “Meet Graham”

Usually, you don’t want to freak out your entire audience. But unlike advertising for a product, the success of a large-scale social awareness campaign depends entirely on how much you can get people talking. This is a perfect example of where weird can win. Amazingly bizarre and amazingly effective.

For more filmmaking inspiration, check out our articles on Location Scouting 101 and Music Licensing in Film.