The WIBA Awards recognize the most influential personalities on social networks. This glamorous annual event took place in the salons of the legendary Hôtel Martinez during the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, on Friday May 24, 2024. The timing was ideal, benefiting from the notoriety of the International Film Festival (FIF) and the Monaco Motor Grand Prix, which took place on the same day, Sunday May 26.
The eagerly-awaited gala brought together influencers and their friends from all over the world. It was a predominantly young audience, featuring some of the most beautiful women on the planet, dressed in spectacular gowns that were no match for the stars of the Cannes Film Festival. A jet-set yet friendly atmosphere punctuated the evening, with equal numbers of men and women in attendance.
This event was initiated by the World Influencers and Bloggers Association (WIBA) for the first time in 2019. It is the first and only international award for personalities present on social networks who are particularly active in their field (beauty, fashion, sport, animal causes, art, gastronomy, travel, music…).
WIBA is a network that brings together influencers and bloggers from the four corners of the globe: Cannes, London, New York, Dubai, Hong Kong, Bombay, Mauritius… With all its members, it totals over 200 million followers.
Mariia Grazhina Chaplin, founder and president of WIBA, explains on her platform: “We want to transform the potential of influencers into a far-reaching power of action to change the world for the better and contribute to universal peace, justice and equal opportunities for all. Influencers share a part of themselves, of their lives, communicate, make an impact, connect with their audience to help others and inspire them to act.”
The evening kicked off with a welcome on the “blue carpet”, followed by a cocktail reception and the customary pose – optional, of course, for those accompanying the winners – in front of the photo wall to preserve the memorable moments.
Dinner was placed, each guest finding a small card indicating his or her table and chair. Surprise: we were at a table of Ukrainians, Russians, Estonians, Swiss and French. Of course, English was the usual language of communication. Throughout dinner, the awards ceremony took place. And there were many of them!
The WIBA 2024 Grand Prix was awarded to Burak Ozdemir, who goes by the pseudonym CZN Burak and has 129 million followers on social networks. This Turkish chef and restaurateur rose to fame in the early 2020s by posting videos on Instagram and Tik Tok . He shares recipes that are often cooked in large quantities and in good spirits! In March 2022, the Turkish chef teamed up with soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo to open a restaurant in London. He succeeds Mexican tiktokeuse Domelipa, who has 66 million followers and is known for her playback and lifestyle videos.
Also on the catwalk was the much-touted Coco Rocha, 35, in a sculptural gown for the occasion. This Canadian model has walked the catwalks of some of the world’s top designers and graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines. She is a business icon and a campaigner for women’s emancipation, married to decorator James Conran.
Lena Situations, 26, won the award for Lifestyle Motivation and Encouragement.
Without a doubt, influencers (what we used to call opinion leaders) are necessarily Instagrameurs, Youtubeurs and bloggers present on X, Tik Tok, Spotify… Without these new networks, these Web stars wouldn’t have such an impact with a public of fans and brands looking for relays.
The highlight of the evening was a performance by Sonique, known for her 2000s hit “It feels so good”, which drew rapturous applause.
All WIBA 2024 winners
Burak Ozdemir: GRAND PRIX
Coco Rocha: Model, business icon and activist for women’s emancipation
Lena Situations: “Motivation & encouragement Lifestyle influencer”.
Alexandre Maras: Most influential journalist on social networks in 2024
Hyram: Best beauty expert
Mohamed Cheikh: Winner of the French contest in the “gastronomy” category
Reem Khabbazeh: Most influential personality in the Middle East
Lee Levi: Influential actress
Maxim Ivanchuk: Best influencer in aesthetic medicine
The Esteriore brothers: Best entertainment influencer
Max Mariola: Best Food influencer
Sasha Ray: Best Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer
Jeff Hamilton: Best Celebrity Stylist
Pietro Checchi: New face of Tik Tok in Italy
Marcello D’Onofrio: Leader in celebrity empowerment management
Nadine Mirada: Influential European model
Daniel Asante: Influential model on social networks
Alex & Tom: Best education influencers
Elena Hazinah: Best beauty influencer
Francine Ehlke: Best Latin American Influencer
Urbashi Rautela: Influential Indian star
Featured Photo: the winners of the WIBA Awards 2024 at the Hôtel Martinez, May 24, 2024 ©Corine Moriou
