And the ADDY goes to…

Everyone knows the Hollywood creative class’ biggest bash of the year is the Academy Awards: throngs of paparazzi, a red carpet, gushy speeches and juicy fashion gossip.

Baton Rouge’s close-knit community of designers, graphic artists and copywriters gathers each year for a raucous awards bash of their own.

The American Advertising Federation of Baton Rouge may not be as familiar as the Hollywood stars of the Oscars, but they’re just as passionate about their work and every bit as enthusiastic about recognizing and honoring the best.

More than 200 advertising and marketing pros gathered Feb. 28 at the downtown Louisiana State Museum for the Ad Fed’s 56th Annual ADDY awards to honor the best advertising work of 2008. The theme? What else? The Oscars.

“It’s like a Bruce Wayne party. It’s modern, sexy,” guest Adrienne Harrison said.

Event chairmen Kelley Criscoe and John Dickerhoof wanted to inject more fun than ever into the event. Guests wore dresses and tuxedos, faux paparazzi photographed arrivals at the press wall, and shouting fans cheered them along the red carpet.

“This awards show is so important because of what it stands for, honoring amazing work by local designers,” Dickerhoof said.

Judges evaluated 600 entries, with the top 20% winning awards.

“This is the unifying voice in Baton Rouge for advertising and marketing professionals along with students,” Ad Fed President Ace Bourgeois said.

The night may have felt all Hollywood and glitz, but it was really about paying homage to sharp design.

Like Rockit Science’s campaign for Devil’s Weed Cigars, in which the firm developed everything from the brand name (reflective of rich cigar history yet edgy and modern) to the business-to-business marketing strategy to such details as box packaging that stands out on retail humidor shelves.

“I just like to interact with everyone, and it’s exciting to get together and be recognized for work,” said Rockit Science designer Stephen Bowling.

For others, like two principles at Zoom Design, Kendyl and David Worrell, attending the show was great for seeking out new talent and scoping out trends for the year.

That new talent was shown in part by student participation in the show. Rachel Podorsky, an LSU graphic design student, submitted a series of photography-based ads for Calvin’s Bocage Market.

“We’re as cool as possible,” said Hunter Territo, graphic designer at Xdesign. “It’s not a cutthroat competition. It’s just a party that may get out of hand.”

“Tonight is when the design culture of south Louisiana all comes together, and it’s great to know that people want to get to know more about you and your work,” LSU graphic design student Alonzo Felix said.

For Trent Bland of Otey White and Associates, it was a chance to wear his wedding tuxedo a second time. And even though they take their profession and craft seriously, they know how to undo their top tux button.