I bet when you saw that the Emmys released its nominees, you raced to look at the Outstanding Commercial category, right? Yeah, no, me neither. But, they are pretty good. Check them out here.

Eh, there aren’t too many surprises. The list comprises of Sandy Hook Promise, Amazon, Apple, Jeep, and Proctor & Gamble. They’re all big names with big agencies, names, and money behind them. But, they all tell great stories.

Last year Nike won with Wieden + Kennedy Portland on their “Dream Crazy” commercial. The year before P&G and BBDO New York scored first with “The Talk.” I’m not quite sure where my bet is for this year. Sandy Hook was powerful. Amazon was funny. Apple was well done. Jeep was smart. And, P&G was influential. We’ll have to see this September 20th.

Back-to-School Essentials – Sandy Hook Promise

BBDO New York, Ad Agency
SMUGGLER, Production Company

This commercial went viral as the seemingly normal back-to-school ad turned real dark, real quick. Sandy Hook Promise is no stranger to that kind of attention and even Emmy nominations. With their longtime agency, BBDO New York, Sandy Hook Promise has received another nomination this year bringing attention to violence in schools.

Before Alexa – Amazon

Droga5 London, Ad Agency
Somesuch x Revolver/Will O’Rourke, Production Company

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi starred in this 2020 Super Bowl ad that looked back at what people did without Alexa. It’s a really funny and creative spot by Droga5 London. It really captures the idea that Alexa’s so helpful that once you bring her into your life, you can’t live without her.

Bounce – Apple AirPods

TBWA Media Arts Lab, Ad Agency
Pulse Films, Production Company

I mean, no one can deny it. Apple knows how to make ads. Every one of them seems to be a hit. “Bounce” is no different. TBWA\Media Arts Lab beautifully tells the story of a man’s perspective of the day changing through AirPods. Last year, Apple was nominated twice for their ads, Make Something Wonderful” and “Don’t Mess With Mother.”

Groundhog Day – Jeep (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles|FCA)

Highdive Advertising, Ad Agency
O Positive, Production Company

This 2020 Super Bowl ad for Jeep was pretty freaking smart. It received a lot of attention, even being named the No. 1 Super Bowl ad by Adweek. They recreated the beloved Groundhog Day film with Bill Murray. Highdive and Jeep take people back to 1993, a much simpler time than the year Super Bowl watchers were in for.

The Look – P&G

Saturday Morning, Ad Agency
Stink Films, Production Company

This ad was a poignant reminder of what it’s like to live as a Black man. Viewers can get a taste of the feeling of being stared at with suspicion. P&G and agency Saturday Morning put together this powerful ad that hits home for many and can expose others to the simple acts of racism that still exist within society.