PARIS, FRANCE – In an industry where creativity is often judged by peers, the Epica Awards stand apart by entrusting their jury to the press. This unique positioning takes center stage in their 2025 Call for Entries campaign, developed by Havas Paris, with the help of some of advertising’s most iconic voices.
The campaign, titled “No Access If You’re Not Press,” stars Sir John Hegarty (Co-Founder and Creative Director at The Business of Creativity), Vicki Maguire (CCO, Havas London), and Marco Venturelli (CEO and CCO, Publicis Conseil). Each appears in tongue in cheek disguises, humorously attempting to infiltrate the Epica jury despite the fact that only journalists are granted entry.
The concept underscores what makes Epica different: its independence, objectivity, and insulation from industry politics
Havas Paris Chief Creative Officer Stéphane Gaubert and Executive Creative Director Etienne Renaux commented “We felt from the start that we should play on the unique feature of the Epica Awards, which is the jury. Then we imagined the ways creatives might try to gain access so they could have their say. We’re delighted that Sir John, Vicki and Marco agreed to play the game.”
Epica Awards Editorial Director Mark Tungate said “We’re constantly stressing that our jury is only open to journalists, but every year we’re contacted by creatives who’d like to join. Stéphane and Etienne captured this in a really clear, fun way. Having such famous creative names on board is a real thrill and honour for us, too.”
The jury itself is comprised of experienced journalists covering advertising, design, PR, digital, production, and photography. With a naturally sceptical approach, jurors scrutinize the provenance of campaigns and carefully assess case study claims. Importantly, Epica maintains rigorous safeguards against conflicts of interest: no juror may vote for work originating from their own country.
This press-only jury remains a defining feature of the awards, reinforcing Epica’s reputation for impartiality and transparency in a landscape often shaped by insider networks.
The Epica Awards are currently open for entries, with an Early Bird deadline on September 1, followed by the regular entry period running until October 4.
