Best Celebrity Cameo in a Commercial
A large majority of the Super Bowl commercials contained celebrities this year, though we had to look up a lot of them to figure out who the celebrity was. Either we’re getting too old to be hip, or we’re no longer in the target demographics for the advertised products (or the Super Bowl). Here is a list of just a few of the celebrity ads that we took note of:
- (40ish and up business) WorkDay (Billy Idol, Gary Clark Jr., Joan Jett, Ozzy Osbourne, and Paul Stanley),
- (Gamblers) DraftKings (Kevin Hart, Ludacris, The Undertaker, Desi Banks, David “Big Papi” Ortiz, Emmett Smith, Julius Erving, Lisa Leslie, and Tony Hawk)
- (Pop Music Listeners) UberOne (Diddy, Montell Jordan, Donna Lewis, Kelis, Ylvis, Haddaway)
- Dunkin Donuts (Ben Afleck, Jennifer Lopez),
- Rakuten (Alicia Silverstone),
- Downy (Danny McBride),
- Squarespace Singularity (Adam Driver), Backstage with Adam Driver
- PopCorners Breaking Good (Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Raymond Cruz)
- Winner Pepsi Zero: It’s not real, it’s just acting
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
Spoofing Entertainment in a Commerical
Some of the celebrity commercials were spoofing entertainment, either by reference or via mini-episodes, so we created a second category to cover these spoofs.
- Rakuten (Alicia Silverstone), spoofing Clueless
- Squarespace Singularity (Adam Driver), Backstage with Adam Driver spoofing Matrix (we think)
- Winner: PopCorners Breaking Good (Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, and Raymond Cruz), spoofing Breaking Bad
- M: Let’s give EVs more screen time, spoofing multiple Netflix shows.
- RAM: Premature Electrification, spoofing a pharmaceutical ad for ED
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Most Emotional Moment in a Commerical
Tugging on the heartstrings is a long-established trope in advertising, especially during the Super Bowl. Strangely, there were few emotional commercials this year.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15)
Creepiest Commercial
We were disturbed by these commercials, no argument, but we disagreed as to which one was the creepiest.
- Eve’s winner SnapChat was just creepy and very dependent on twisting reality
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
- Tim’s Winner Tubi: Down the Rabbit Hole
I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Psalm 119:15–16)
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15–16)
Funniest Commercial
Humor always sells. Some of the most memorable commercials in the history of television advertising contain humor. There was one particular ad that really stood out this year, making both of us laugh out loud.
- GM: Let’s give EVs more screen time
- Busch Survival Guide
- Winner Xfinity: The Next Giant Leap
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
Technology Commercial
Technology continues to carry us into unknown
- Co-Winners (Red Flag): Pixel 7: Fixed
- Dexcom
- Xfinity: The Next Giant Leap
- Co-Winner (Production Value): T-Mobile Home Internet
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
Most Patriotic Commercial
We have only one entry in this category this year, so WeatherTech’s “Made in America” commercial wins by default
Sin spotlight
This category is probably exclusive to Are You Just Watching?, and most of the Super Bowl commercials probably could have been listed here since most commercials these days are either marketing sin or referencing it in some way in their campaign. We couldn’t resist talking about the Garden of Eden spoof that Avocados from Mexico dared to produce, and so it wins the category.
- Winner Avocados from Mexico
- DraftKings
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6–7)
Most SJW
The last time we did these awards, we had quite a few SJW commercials to choose from, but this year, “celebrity” was the keyword rather than “virtue signaling.” Regardless, there were two commercials that stood out for this category, even though neither were as in-your-face bad as in previous years.
God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)
Wrap Up
The award are all given out, but we want to mention a couple commercial series that deserve spotlights.
- He Gets Us Ads
Are You Just Watching? is listener supported. Special thanks to our current patrons: Isaias Santillano, Craig Hardee, Stephen Brown II, David Lefton, and Peter Chapman for their generous support. We can't continue to share critical thinking for the entertained Christian without your financial help, so please head on over to our Patreon page and become one of our supporting patrons! What did you think of Commercial Awards? We would like to know, even if just your reactions to the trailer or the topics we shared in this episode. Or what general critical-thinking and entertainment thoughts or questions do you have? Would you like to suggest a movie or TV show for us to give a Christian movie review with critical thinking?Please support the podcast!
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