M&M’s
For All Funkind Award
The Story
The Mars Agency sought a unique award that would embody the playful spirit of M&M’s while honoring the meaningful mission of the For All Funkind initiative. Presented at the Bentonville Film Festival, the award recognizes rising filmmakers and content creators from underrepresented communities, shining a light on diverse voices in the entertainment industry. The challenge was to create a design that felt both fun and prestigious, true to the M&M’s brand and the significance of the recognition.
The Design
Bennett Awards created a sculpture featuring a classic M&M character seated on top of a film reel, blending the brand’s iconic imagery with a cinematic theme. Standing 6.75 inches tall, the sculpture captures the personality of the beloved candy character while symbolizing storytelling and creative expression. The figure is mounted on a circular marble base measuring 5 inches by 2.75 inches, bringing the total height of the award to 9.5 inches. Personalized gold-fill engraving on the base ensures each award is uniquely tied to its recipient.
The Craftsmanship
The sculpture was cast in bronze to achieve durability and fine detail, with each piece finished in a golden patina that highlights the contours and character features. The marble bases were precision-cut and polished to provide a refined foundation for the playful design, while the engraved details were carefully filled in gold to match the patina finish. Together, these elements elevate the whimsical design into a sophisticated recognition piece worthy of a prestigious film festival.
The Impact
The M&M’s For All Funkind Award embodies both celebration and purpose, serving as a lasting symbol of recognition for emerging filmmakers whose voices are shaping the future of entertainment. Its combination of brand iconography and cultural relevance makes it an instantly recognizable award that recipients are proud to display. By uniting fun design with meaningful recognition, Bennett Awards and The Mars Agency created a piece that reflects M&M’s mission to spread joy while supporting inclusivity in the arts.