Cadbury 'Eyebrows' 2009: the surreal UK ad that won Cannes Lions Grand Prix
Cadbury launched 'Eyebrows' (also known as 'Cadbury Eyebrow Dance') UK ad in 2009. The surreal 60-second ad features two children at a photographer waiting for their photo who suddenly start dancing their eyebrows to electro music. The ad won Cannes Lions Grand Prix 2009 and became cultural reference. The case is studied as canonical iconic branded ad with surreal humor.
- Story: Cadbury 'Eyebrows' 2009 UK ad: surreal 60-second narrative of children at photographer dancing their eyebrows to 'Don't Stop the Rock' electro-funk music. Cannes Lions Grand Prix 2009. Cultural reference. Part of Cadbury surreal-humor ad series including Cadbury Gorilla (2007).
- Why it matters: Cadbury Eyebrows is canonical surreal-humor branded ad case — demonstrating brand-as-mood can substitute for direct product communication.
- Takeaway: Surreal humor can produce significant cultural attention.
- Takeaway: Brand-as-mood (joy) can substitute for direct product communication.
- Takeaway: Iconic ads in series compound brand association over time.
Cadbury Eyebrows — the four-step story
Cadbury Eyebrows by the numbers
Quick facts
The surreal Cadbury campaign
Cadbury launched 'Eyebrows' in January 2009 as 60-second UK ad. Surreal narrative: two children at photographer waiting for photo suddenly start dancing their eyebrows to electro music while photographer is fetching something. The ad ends with kids dancing wildly and photographer returning oblivious.
The ad followed earlier iconic Cadbury 'Gorilla' ad (2007) as part of broader Cadbury surreal-humor campaign series. Won Cannes Lions Grand Prix 2009 - top advertising award. Became cultural reference.
How RGM thinks about surreal-humor branded ads
When clients ask about creative branded advertising, the Cadbury Eyebrows case is canonical reference. The lessons: surreal humor can produce significant cultural attention; brand-as-mood (joy) can substitute for direct product communication; and iconic ads in series compound brand association over time.
Frequently asked questions
What music plays in Eyebrows?
'Don't Stop the Rock' by Freestyle - 1985 electro-funk track. The music selection produced significant attention and the track had renewed popularity post-ad.
What's the connection to Cadbury Gorilla?
Cadbury Gorilla (2007) was earlier iconic surreal-humor Cadbury ad showing gorilla drumming to Phil Collins. Both ads part of broader Cadbury campaign series emphasizing joy and surreal humor rather than direct product communication.
Sources & references
- Cannes Lions archive — 2009 Grand Prix records.