Special ranked #5 Independent Creative Network in Cannes Lions 2025 Global Creativity Report

Independent creative agency Special, Campaign Brief’s current New Zealand Agency of the Year, has been recognised as #5 Independent Creative Network in the World in the Cannes Lions 2025 Global Creativity Report. A first for any agency founded in New Zealand.

Special ranks ahead of some of the most prominent agency networks around the world, including Mother.

The report sets a definitive benchmark for creative excellence and recognises those creating the global standard for effective creativity. And follows on from industry bible Campaign UK naming Special ‘Best Network Asia/Pacific’.

The recognition follows on the back of an incredible portfolio of work, including six Cannes Lions awards for its ‘Football is for Food’ SuperBowl campaign with Uber Eats, a gold for its ‘Brian Cox Goes to College’ campaign for Uber One (which won the EMMY for ‘best Commercial’ last month)  and two Cannes Lions for its DB Breweries ‘Cold Call Back Service’ campaign for DB Breweries.

Special is the first New Zealand-founded network to have expanded globally, with offices now in Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo and London.

Says Tony Bradbourne, Founder, Special: “We’re incredibly proud to stand among some of the best independent networks in the world,” says Special Founder Tony Bradbourne. “What started as one desk, three chairs and just a room full of ambition in our small corner of the world, to being recognised as one of the world’s best networks is no small achievement, and we couldn’t have done it without our incredible clients and teams who have helped get us here.”

View the Cannes Lions 2025 Global Rankings Report here.

Top 5 rankings: Independent Network of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. Serviceplan Group
2. Rethink
3. Wieden+Kennedy
4. Edelman
5. Special

View all of the New Zealand winners from Cannes Lions 2025 here.

View the Cannes Lions 2025 Global Creativity Report here.