The Message from Cannes Lions 2019, brought to you by…

Bensimon Byrne‘s powerful “Boys Don’t Cry” spot, on behalf of the White Ribbon Campaign to end violence against women, garnered six shortlist nods in the Film Craft Lions category announced at the Cannes Lions  Sunday.

BBDO Toronto‘s work with Right to Play was also shortlisted four times in the category, which acknowledges technical achievement in film and video. McCann Canada Toronto and Cossette Toronto each made the shortlist once, for their work with Prostate Cancer Canada and KOHO respectively.

Developed in association with production partners Alter Ego, Berkeley, Rooster Post Production and Untitled Films, “Boys Don’t Cry” addresses the issue of toxic masculinity, showing how external forces that pressure young boys to be tough and show no weakness can lead to violence against women as they get older.

The spot received nods, in the direction, script, casting, cinematography, editing and use of original music categories.

BBDO was shortlisted four times for its work with Right to Play, including, cinematography, direction and script nods for “We Rise,” and a cinematography nod for “Games over Guns.” BBDO’s production partners on the campaign included Capetown-based Moonlighting and the Toronto companies Alter Ego, Pirate Group, Skin & Bones and The Assembly.

Cossette Toronto earned a shortlist nod in cinematography for its “Dream Thieves” spot for Koho, created in partnership with the Paris firms Mikros MPC Advertising, Division, and Kouz Production, and Kiev-based Family Production.

McCann Canada Toronto earned a script nomination for its “Famous Fingers” spot created for Prostate Cancer Canada, developed in association with Alter Ego, Grayson Matthews, Partners Film and Saints Editorial.