New York - The ‘Don’t Choose Extinction’ campaign, launched by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to raise awareness about the climate emergency, has won Gold and Silver in two different categories at the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards. This was announced today by The International Academy of Digital Arts & Science (IADAS), which was launched by the Webby Awards in 2021. The Awards are intended to celebrate mission-driven work and the social impact of individuals, corporations and organizations. Its goal is to define a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities.

The Don’t Choose Exinction campaign won Gold in the Category: Sustainability, Environment & Climate – Non-Profit Campaign, and Silver in the Category: Sustainability, Environment & Climate – Global Awareness Campaign. Anthem Winners were selected from 2,000 submissions from over 43 countries around the world. 

The ‘Don’t Choose Extinction’ film, the centerpiece of the campaign, was created in partnership with Activista Los Angeles, a multiple-award-winning creative agency. It features Frankie the Dino, a computer-generated Utharaptor dinosaur which is seen storming into the United Nations General Assembly, seizing its iconic podium, and urging stunned-looking dignitaries to avoid the dinosaurs’ fate—extinction—by making changes to tackle the climate crisis. “At least we had an asteroid,” the dinosaur warns, referring to the popular theory explaining dinosaurs’ extinction 70 million years ago. “What’s your excuse?” 

“We are very honored to receive two Anthem Awards for the Don’t Choose Extinction campaign” said Boaz Paldi, Chief Creative Officer at UNDP. “We are receiving this award at a time when humankind is facing the biggest existential threat ever and the need to raise awareness is urgent as we urge world leaders to phase out of fossil fuel subsidies and ask the world to take climate action now.” 

“It's always great to see your work recognized. Especially when the awards show celebrates impactful work that sparks global change like the Anthem Awards” said Beto Fernandez, Founder and Creative at Activista Los Angeles.

The film has reached an audience of over 2 billion and garnered more than 4,000 media mentions across the globe. The original short film was voiced in 39 languages and features famous actors from around the world, including Jack Black (English), Eiza González (Spanish), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Danish), and Aïssa Maïga (French). It has been translated into more than 60 languages. 

UNDP’s ‘Don’t Choose Extinction’ campaign and film shines a spotlight on fossil fuel subsidies and their negative impact on the planet. Last year, US$423 billion was used in direct subsidies with 80 percent of those going to the manufactures. In 2022, because of the Ukraine war and the energy crisis, the subsidies have reached over US$600 billion by year’s end. The campaign and UNDP’s Energy Hub offer encourages countries to utilize those funds for socially impactful and positive solutions so they can benefit from a green transition but at the same time leave no one behind. 

For more information on the ‘Don’t Choose Extinction’ campaign, visit: www.dontchooseextinction.com, Twitter: @frankiethedino; Instagram: @frankiethedino_. The campaign film here: Don't Choose Extinction 

For more information about the Anthem Awards, visit: anthemawards.com, twitter: @anthemawards; Instagram: @anthemawards. The press release announcing the Anthem Awards 2023 winners can be found here. 

About UNDP 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries and territories, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. 

About The Anthem Awards  

Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. Founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.  

About The Webby Awards

Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps, Mobile, and Voice; Social; Podcasts; and Games. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received more than 13,500 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Verizon, WP Engine, YouGov, Brandlive, Canva, NAACP, KPMG, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, MediaPost, Podcast Movement, and AIGA.