Bestads Six of the Best Reviewed by Neil Walker-Wells, Group CD, Juniper Park\TBWA, Toronto

This week's guest judge is Neil Walker-Wells, group creative director at Juniper Park\TBWA, Toronto.

​BEST TV
Honestly, I've had my fill of lockdown ads. We're all craving something fresh, work that doesn't remind us of the brutal time we've been through. So, while the John Lewis spot is beautifully crafted and shot, I just can't help but feel a bit exhausted. I definitely much prefer and appreciate a message that's future-focused as we emerge from the pandemic, and definitely gravitate to a brand that offers us a little hope.

Winner: Heineken 'Home Gatherings'. A cool reminder that we're looking forward to better times. To hanging out with friends again. But yet it's rooted in a human truth that we're not going back to the old casual normal, that drinking responsibly isn't just about quantity any more . A nicely shot and cast ad with feel-good vibes which I'm sure will result in a few more people picking up a Heineken on the way to their next house party.

Runner up: iPhone 'Tracked'. We're all getting a bit paranoid about our data. As digital and social ads get more sophisticated and effective at targeting us with precision it's pretty clear that we're sharing more info every moment we engage. This spot does a great job of prodding that discomfort we feel and assuring us that Apple has our back.

​BEST PRINT
Winner: Burger King 'Toy'. The best of a not very good bunch I suppose. Direct. Restaurants are opening up again. A bit of a smile. That being said Burger King have set the bar high and I'm not sure this is even close.

Runner up: Curtice Brothers Ketchup 'Before Ketchup - Old Woman Eating Porridge'.

​BEST OUTDOOR
Winner: AB InBev / Ambev 'Responsible Billboards'. Great to see brands flex and join forces for good. A good tactical take on a relentless issue. It's attention grabbing and puts the message right on the very roads that so many drunk drivers risk our lives on.

Runner up: Project Honor / GoFundMe 'Project Honor'. Beautifully done, appreciate someone putting some budget behind this message. Lovely art direction and placements for a vital cause.

​BEST INTERACTIVE
Winner: Mastercard Poland 'Safe Waze 2 Shop'. Everything you want from a brand in a pandemic. Drives me to a safer experience and incentivizes it with savings. Turns Mastercard from a transactional brand into an ally. Clever and well executed.

Runner up: Samsung 'iTest'. Turns an Apple into a Samsung. Smart way to give folks a test drive and see what they could be missing.