Kirsten Noll gets animated about awards

What appealed to you about taking on the role of head judge for the Animation & VFX category?

I had the opportunity to judge this category in 2023, and it was by far one of the best shows I’ve been a part of. The process was truly collaborative, and the judges came together to discuss the work and align on a mutual goal within the category. 

With this mix of expertise and perspectives, the conversation will surely be rowdy, inspirational and likely filled with a few giggles.  

As the head of the category for The Americas 2025, I’m eager to examine the work more closely and set the tone for this year's submissions. My fellow judges include industry friends, studios and people I’ve admired over the years. With this mix of expertise and perspectives, the conversation will surely be rowdy, inspirational and likely filled with a few giggles.  

Above: Kirsten Noll, Managing Executive Producer at Scholar, is this year's Head Judge for the Animation & VFX category.

What sort of work are you hoping to see in this category when it comes to the judging process?

I’m hoping to be inspired. I want to see work that takes risks and feels unexpected. Work that pushes on the highest calibre of craft, and shows an understanding of storytelling. I want to feel something. 

What makes a good jury?

A good jury is comprised of people with a mix of backgrounds, experience, expertise and points of view. 

I want to see work that takes risks and feels unexpected.

Folks creating and doing at various levels within the category that have a solid understanding of what it takes to make quality work, and who can also remain objective. 

Click here to see the full Animation & VFX jury

Above: Last year's winner of the shots Awards The Americas Animation [2D] category, Nike Let it Rip.

Do you think 2024 was a good year for creativity in North and South America?

2024 was wild. Worldwide, we collectively experienced significant events that will continue to impact society and change our culture. The work that emerged from this felt somewhat safe and a bit repetitive. 

Is there a campaign from the past that inspired you to get into advertising?

Oh wow, that is a great question! I’m not sure it inspired me, but I still remember seeing the Budweiser Frogs during the Super Bowl in 1995 and thinking, 'how did they do that?'. As a kid from the 90s, I watched a ton of animated shows and movies. 

 I still remember seeing the Budweiser Frogs during the Super Bowl in 1995 and thinking, 'how did they do that?'.

That commercial was probably the first time I realised animation and VFX could live outside film or television. 

Above: Budweiser Frogs, from 1995, was an eye-opener for Noll. 

What do you think the biggest challenges and opportunities are for advertising in the year ahead?

Budgets will remain challenging, and there will likely be some hesitation to spend ad dollars and invest in new marketing. As commercial content continues to have more avenues for consumption, clients will look for smart, modular solutions to make creative go further without increasing the cost. 

As commercial content continues to have more avenues for consumption, clients will look for smart, modular solutions to make creative go further without increasing the cost. 

There will likely be an opportunity to tell more impactful stories and lean into nostalgia. Human connection, strong emotions and feeling like you are part of something are more crucial than ever. 

Why do you think awards are an important part of the industry?

They bring us together. They remind us that, despite the competition we face daily against other studios or individuals, we’re all creators intertwined by a passion for this industry. We’re a community and part of it is about connecting with, celebrating and actively supporting those around us and their achievements.

Click here to enter the shots Awards The Americas 2025