As Wednesday in Cannes ended and delegates headed to the Palais for the Press, Design, Radio and Cyber Lions Award ceremony, AKQA CEO Tom Bedecarre wondered why everyone in Cannes was asking him to buy them drinks. As news of AKQA's acquisition by WPP spread, it became clear why Tom was suddenly seen as Mr. Moneybags. If Sir Martin Sorrell's salary is a comparative indicator, Tom will have plenty of money to buy everyone drinks for a long time to come.
- Over at the Palais, South Africa earned its first Gold Lion with work done by DDB SA for McDonald's in the Press category.
- Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey was given the Media Person of the Year award.
- Brazilian agency Talent took home the Radio Lions Grand Prix for Go Outside
- The very controversial Bennetton campaign, created by Italian agency Fabrica and 72andSunny Amsterdam, which featured the world's political figures kissing was awarded Press Lion Grand Prix.
- Nike's Nike+ Fuelband work and the Swedish tourism campaign that gave control of its Twitter account both took home Cyber Grand Prix Lions.
- Velti Mobile and RadiumOn held their beach party across from the Carlton.
- Microsoft kicked things up with Mark Ronson on the turn tables and toys for "old ad dudes" to toss about.
- Massive Music and Media Monk held their massive, music-fueled party complete with dancers and a DJ booth that resembled a Xerox machine at Plage 'O Plenty/Baoli Beach.
- And yes, as always, the night ended at the Gutter Bar.
