The shortlist for the third Young Arrows awards has now been released.

For the first time, the awards were completely free-to-enter, removing the financial barrier that often blocks emerging talent from entering. The result of the free-to-enter initiative, supported by 14 of the industry’s leading companies, saw entry numbers triple in 2024, versus 2023.

The shortlist, made up of both advertising and craft categories, was chosen last week by a jury comprising a cross section of top industry talent, headed up by co-chairs, Helen Rhodes, Executive Creative Director at BBH, and Chris Watling, Managing Director and Executive Producer at Somesuch.

Helen Rhodes, Executive Creative Director at BBH, commented on the entries, said: “We should all be elated and terrified in equal measure as the next generation of advertising superstars are coming through to delight our screens and up our games. The standard of entries was so high that I got a nosebleed.”

Chris Watling, Managing Director and Executive Producer at Somesuch added: “This exceptional level of talent and craft made for a day of judging that was incredibly inspiring, energising and hotly-debated for our brilliant, passionate jury. The future of the industry is bright. Pack sunglasses.”

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, hosted by Reggie Yates, on October 22nd at HERE at Outernet in central London. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased here.

On the night, a new award - The Bolt Award, launched in honour of well-known advertising production figure, Barney Richard - will be presented to an individual introducing new ideas, techniques or approaches within a piece of moving image advertising content. The winner has been selected from work entered into the Creative team, New Director and Student Commercial of the Year categories.

Simon Cooper, Chair of the British Arrows, said, “The Young Arrows role in helping to identify and encourage tomorrow’s creative stars is critical in maintaining our industry’s relevance and evolution. The threefold increase in entries this year and the consistent high quality of the work show that the Young Arrows continues to grow in importance and stature across the industry. Thank you to all of our sponsors for your continued support and to Chris and Helen and all our jurors for your time and commitment to this important award.”

​Full shortlist is available here​

The Young Arrows has also announced The Shortlist Party hosted by Coffee & TV for all 2024 nominees. Invitations will be sent directly to the shortlisted individuals. A representative from Coffee & TV said, “We all know how important it is for emerging talent to have opportunities to showcase their work and creativity, it gives them visibility and access to the industry which leads to exciting opportunities. The Young Arrows have created the perfect space to do exactly that, so we love having the opportunity to sponsor and help make the show a success. Hosting the Shortlist Party is our way of supporting the nominees in building their network and to throw them a well deserved party!”

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