US-based ★ "The Web's Academy Awards" 2015 Webby Awards Announced

The 19th Webby Awards ceremony took place on May 19 in New York City. The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), are a global award recognizing the most commendable websites and works throughout the year. Often called the "Academy Awards of the Web," they are a prestigious honor. Since their founding in 1996, they have walked alongside the evolution of the web. In five categories—"Website," "Interactive Advertising and Media," "Online Film and Video," "Mobile Site and App," and "Social"—five nominees were selected per subcategory, with one winner receiving the Webby Award. This year saw over 13,000 entries from more than 60 countries and regions worldwide, surpassing last year's numbers, with 344 winners announced.

According to Ad Age, particular attention was drawn to P&G's "Like a Girl," which questioned "what it means to be a real girl," and "The World's Toughest Job," produced by American Greetings for its Mother's Day campaign. David Michael Davies, Executive Director of the Webby Awards, said, "Both works were closely tied to internet culture and deeply moved people. We are proud to have been able to honor works that not only contributed to sales but also addressed important issues that exist in reality for customers."

Other notable winners included TED, which won awards in more than 10 categories, and the web media outlet VICE. The Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised over $220 million for the ALS Association, and Jerome Jarre, a "super influencer" with enormous influence on social media apps Snapchat and Vine, both won awards in the Special Achievement category. The Breakout of the Year award went to the dating and social networking app "Tinder," while the Lifetime Achievement award honored Louis Rosett and Jane Metcalfe, founders of WIRED magazine.

The IADAS judging panel consists of approximately 2,000 members, including web industry leaders, experts, and editors from major publications. Members include David Bowie, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington, Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom, and Nancy Lublin, CEO of the teen social action site Do Something. At the awards ceremony, the winners' speeches—limited to just five words—are also a yearly talking point.