NZ creative roots shine with Special US and Taika Waititi among 2025 Emmy nominees

New Zealand creative talent is again making waves on the global stage, with the 77th Emmy Awards announcing its shortlist for Outstanding Commercial, and two Kiwi-linked powerhouses securing nominations.

Special US, the American outpost of the celebrated New Zealand-born independent creative group, has earned a nomination for ‘Brian Cox Goes To College’ for Uber One for Students. The campaign, starring the acclaimed Succession actor, was directed by David Shane through production company O Positive.

Also named among the six contenders is adam&eveDDB’s ‘The Boy & The Octopus’, a heartfelt spot for The Walt Disney Company directed by Taika Waititi, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated filmmakers.

Brian Cox Goes To College – Uber One for Students
Ad Agency: Special US (founded in New Zealand)
Production Company: O-Positive
Director: David Shane

The Boy & The Octopus – The Walt Disney Company
Ad Agency: adam&eveDDB
Production Companies: Hungry Man / Untold Stories
Director: Taika Waititi

So Win – Nike
Ad Agency: Wieden+Kennedy
Production Company: Somesuch
Director: Kim Gehrig

Batman Vs. Bateman – State Farm
Ad Agency: Highdive
Production Company: Hungry Man
Director: Bryan Buckley

Flock – Apple Privacy
Ad Agency: TBWAMedia Arts Lab
Production Company: Smuggler
Director: Ivan Zacharias

Heartstrings – Apple AirPods Pro
Ad Agency: TBWAMedia Arts Lab
Production Company: Smuggler
Director: Henry-Alex Rubin

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