D&AD names first 2020 pencil winners

D&AD has revealed the first batch of pencil winners for 2020, beginning a series of announcements that will take place over coming months.

Three APAC entries won Yellow Pencils, while the Graphite and Wood level each yielding six pencils for APAC work. Japan won nine of APAC's total of 16 pencils, with Australia (3), India (2), Malaysia (1) and China (1) also taking awards.

Globally, this batch of winners included 3 White, 13 yellow, 34 Graphite, 75 Wood and 5 Next Pencils. Japan came fourth on the country ranking (in a tie with France and behind the US, UK and Germany) with nine pencils, while Dentsu came second (behind Jung von Matt) in terms of entrant companies, with five pencils.

The global winner list is available at the D&AD website. Here's a complete list of the APAC winners: 

The three White Pencil winners are:

The Impact category highlights work that "explores some of the most important issues defining our world today and demonstrates how creative thinking can be a force for driving positive change".

The Side Hustle category, introduced last year, aims to "spotlight world class creativity beyond people’s day jobs".

The Next category awards emerging creatives, designers, directors and illustrators to recognise the next generation of creative talent. 

Further Pencil winners announcements are scheduled for June 16, July 16, September 8 and September 10.