Publicis Groupe Africa has landed 21 finalist nominations at this year’s Bookmark Awards, South Africa’s leading digital marketing awards, with agencies Machine, LePub and StudioOne all recognised for work spanning nearly every stage of the digital ecosystem, from audience engagement and content creation to AI, experience design and technology.
Machine leads the Group’s charge with 11 finalist nominations, driven by its work for Spotify. The agency’s “Khuphuka Nathi” campaign picked up nods across Integrated Digital Campaign, Online Video Series, Craft – Strategy, Craft – Online Video/Moving Image and Localisation & Cultural Relevance, while “Wrapped 2026: Amagwinya Truck Jingle” for Spotify Africa was recognised in Interactive Mixed Media, Channel Innovation, Best Use of Data in a Campaign, Craft – Use of Sound and Localisation & Cultural Relevance.
LePub Johannesburg secured 10 finalist nominations for its work with Heineken Beverages. “Social Screen” was shortlisted in Mobile Sites, Customer Experience Design, Digital Installations & Activations, Live Event Content, Craft – Software, Coding & Tech Innovation, Craft – Interactive Design and Excellence in Craft: Innovative Use of Technology, while “Max Speed” earned further nods in Digital Installations & Activations, Craft – Software, Coding & Tech Innovation and Excellence in Craft: Innovative Use of Technology.
StudioOne, Publicis’ Bespoke full-service agency for Toyota South Africa, also made the cut, with “Toyota Dakar” shortlisted in the Online Video Series category, extending the Group’s reach into the automotive sector alongside its beverage and streaming work.
Adding to the Group’s strong showing, Andrea Quaye, CMO of Heineken Beverages, is a finalist for Best Individual Contribution to Digital Marketing, one of the Bookmark Awards’ Special Honours categories, recognising standout leadership in the industry.
Pete Little, Chief Creative Officer of Publicis Groupe Africa, also served as Jury Chair for the Marketing Craft category this year: “As South Africa’s premier digital awards show, the Bookmarks continues to set the standard of digital excellence for our country, and this year was no different.
“As I partnered with the industry’s best to adjudicate the work in the Marketing Craft Category, we enjoyed the first in-person judging session in a few years, which really elevated the experience.”
The finalist nominations reflect Publicis Groupe Africa’s continued strength across the full spectrum of digital disciplines, with standout work for clients including Heineken, Spotify and Toyota underscoring the Group’s integrated, craft-led approach to digital marketing.
Winners will be announced at the Bookmark Awards ceremony.
