As experienced by Caroline Riis.

Last night, I gatecrashed my first award ceremony.

Being the only one from the agency not nominated for anything, I fulfilled a perhaps equally important role – seat filler.

Not being used to the brightness and sparkle of it all, I ooo-ed and aah-ed considerably higher than the veterans surrounding me. The starry ceiling, waiters serving champagne, fancy candlesticks – it was almost too much.

The night was hosted by Jack Whitehall, pulling us through a solid two hours by mainly ripping into Saatchi & Saatchi for sacking him as an intern. He did an impressive job pleasing a tough, albeit slightly tipsy, advertising crowd.

The food was lovely, and I’m sure Dan and Ray would have loved it too, if they hadn’t spent the entire night storming the stage to shake Mr.Whitehall’s hand. They literally had their hands full, picking up two gold arrows for Lurpak Lightest; Best Over 30 And Up To 60 Second TV Commercial  and Best Dairy Products, and three for our family overseas; two gold for Southern Comfort and one silver for Nike.

The ceremony eventually ended, but left behind was a photo booth, champagne and a crowd refusing to leave. As people left the tables in favour of the dance floor, my role as seat filler suddenly seemed a tad redundant. Thankfully, I was asked to guard one of the arrows, promoting me to the role of award holder. A much more rewarding part, as people just assumed it was mine.

All in all, a great night was had by all, with the possible exception of David Brodie. He just couldn’t believe “black tie” could be open to such flexible interpretations. “You don’t wear a baseball cap to  a black tie do just because you’re a creative. You just don’t.” Well said, Brodie. Well said.