The Top 10 Muse Stories of 2021
We're about to hibernate for a week for the holidays, but before we go, here's our annual roundup of the most-read Muse stories of the year. There's a lot of celebrity work in here, not surprisingly, but one unsung hero—a feline with the soul of a canine—managed to eclipse them all.
For more year-in-review stuff, also check out these stories:
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A Girl Struggles to Keep a Snowman Alive in Apple's Cute Holiday Ad
By Tim Nudd
Nov. 24, 2021
The father-and-son duo of Ivan and Jason Reitman directed Apple's 2021 holiday ad from TBWA\Media Arts Lab—a charming tale of a girl who tries to keep a snowman alive all year long.
9️⃣
50 Movie Posters That Changed Entertainment Marketing
By Jessie Garretson
May 11, 2021
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Clio Entertainment, Muse asked five luminaries in the industry to craft a list of 50 movie posters that changed entertainment marketing. A few months later, we did a similar list of 50 great trailers as well.
8️⃣
Prepare for an Orgy of Togetherness, Says Extra Gum's Epic New Ad
By David Gianatasio
May 4, 2021
One of the year's best-liked ads presented Energy BBDO's joyous vision of post-pandemic life, with everyone uncontrollably making out in public—with minty fresh breath thanks to Extra Gum, of course.
7️⃣
All About Tiffany's 'About Love' Campaign With Beyoncé, Jay-Z and a Massive Diamond
By Angela Natividad
Sept. 17, 2021
Angela took a fascinating dive dive into Tiffany's "About Love" campaign, featuring Beyoncé, Jay-Z and a Jean-Michel Basquiat tableau swathed in Tiffany blue.
6️⃣
This Birth Control Ad Takes Place Inside Annie Murphy's Vagina
By Amy Corr
Sept. 15, 2021
Annie Murphy, of Schitt's Creek fame, starred in Evofem's campaign by McCann Health for the hormone-free birth control product Phexxi—a :60 that was part education, part comedic gold, and chock full of double entendres and Easter eggs.
5️⃣
Boban Marjanovic Lends a (Large) Hand to Pepperidge Farm Goldfish
By David Gianatasio
April 7, 2021
Dallas Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic, and his huge hands, starred with former teammate Tobias Harris in Saatchi & Saatchi New York's campaign for Pepperidge Farm Goldfish.
4️⃣
Elton John and Lil Nas X Are the Latest Perfect Pair for Uber Eats
By David Gianatasio
Sept. 9, 2021
Elton John schooled Lil Nas X on British slang in one of several fresh, funny spots the musicians made for Uber Eats, via agency Special Group U.S.
3️⃣
Geico Brings Back Tag Team and Their Hit 'Whoomp! (There It Is)'
By David Gianatasio
Jan. 22, 2021
Adweek's pick for the No. 1 ad of the year, this Martin Agency spot brought back Tag Team to reimagine their 1993 party classic "Whoomp! (There It Is)" for Geico. Scoop! There it is!
2️⃣
Sting's Catchy New Song Explains the Chain Reaction of Hiring People With Down Syndrome
By David Gianatasio
March 19, 2021
New York agency Small developed this wonderful campaign for CoorDown—with music by Sting—showing employers welcoming young people with Down syndrome into the working world.
1️⃣
Walter the Chevy Cat Becomes an Unlikely Star of the Olympics
By David Gianatasio
July 29, 2021
How do make a great commercial for cat lovers and dog lovers? Have it center on a cat who thinks he's a dog. That was Commonwealth/McCann's winning formula for this entertaining Chevrolet spot that aired during the Olympics. Walter, the year was yours.
