According to the awards, entries increased by 100% in the Corporate Influencer category and 63% in the Financial Services category compared to 2022.

The awards add that entries for the Rising Star category — introduced in 2022 to recognise talented individuals who are making a significant impact to the creativity and effectiveness of content-led advertising strategies early on in their careers — have more than doubled.

The shortlist, which includes a wide variety of renowned brands, was decided by an international team of 39 heavyweight jurors from leading advertisers, agencies and publishers.

The jury's make-up reflects the vital importance of collaboration between all three parties when creating effective content-driven marketing campaigns. Individuals can view the full list of judges here.

"I was delighted to see so many high-quality entries which were insight-led and data-driven across all categories, but it was particularly interesting to see such an increase in strong campaigns from the financial services sector, perhaps a reflection of the need for financial institutions to set themselves apart from the competition in the current economic climate," says Natasha Byrne, managing partner at UM.

"The number of strong candidates competing for this year's Rising Star Award blew me away," concludes Jerry Daykin, head of global media at Beam Suntory. "Shortlisting this impressive list of entries was tough, but it gives me confidence that brands are in safe hands for years to come. This next generation of savvy marketers are already showing such innovation with their contributions to international, content-led advertising — it's truly inspiring."

The final category winners will be announced during an exclusive live ceremony at the Ham Yard Hotel in London on Thursday, 7 September. The winner of 2023's Grand Prix Award will also be announced on the night.

The awards are unique in that all winners not only walk away with a trophy and kudos on the night but will also see their work celebrated in an exclusive worldwide advertising campaign valued at €750k+, which will run across the World Media Group’s leading international media brands comprising:
  • The Atlantic
  • BBC News
  • Insider
  • The Economist
  • Forbes
  • Fortune
  • National Geographic
  • Reuters
  • Politico Europe
  • The New York Times
  • The Smithsonian
  • TIME
  • The Wall Street Journal, and
  • The Washington Post.

The 2023 shortlist can be viewed here. 

For more information, visit www.world-media-group.com. You can also follow the World Media Awards on Twitter.