Nicholas Lam

Based in LA, with roots in Hong Kong and Hawaii, Nicholas is one of the most acclaimed Asian American advertising directors working today. Renowned for a unique ability to find beauty in the everyday, he has crafted international campaigns for brands like Google, Samsung, vivo, HSBC, Toyota, Kia, Dewars, Nestlé and Timberland. His signature visual language — a fusion of polished grit and emotive spontaneity — has attracted global agencies as BBDO, Ogilvy, Dentsu, Publicis and VML, creating campaigns recognized and awarded by the Cannes Lions, Clios, Promax, Tellys, 1.4, Kinsale Sharks, Citra Pariwara, Shots Showcase and more.

In the music world, Nicholas has directed videos for artists including Nick Jonas, Blink-182, Sara Bareilles, Bastille, Divine, J Hus, Jess Glynne and Monsta X. Notably, he is the first American ever to garner an MTV VMA nomination for Best K-Pop.

A noted thought leader in minority representation, Nicholas has published articles on diversity, culture and artificial intelligence. His work and editorials have been featured in leading publications such as Vogue, The LA Times, Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard, Complex, Forbes, Campaign Brief and The Telegraph, amplifying his voice in both the entertainment and cultural landscapes.

When not orchestrating chaos on set, Nicholas can be found carving the canyons in his race car, traveling the world hunting crazy street food, or talking fashion and anime with fellow ‘heads.

AWARDS

Shots Select 2024 - Toyota Olympics "Start Your Impossible" - WINNER

Kinsale Sharks 2024 - J Hus & CB "Cream" - Finalist - Best Animation

1.4 Awards 2024 - J Hus & CB "Cream" - Finalist - Best Animation

Shots Select 2024 - J Hus & CB "Cream" - WINNER

Telly Awards 2023 - MTV "Drinking Alone With the Moon" - WINNER Gold - Directing

Promax North America 2023 - MTV "Drinking Alone With the Moon" - WINNER Silver - Directing

CLIO Awards 2022 - MTV "Drinking Alone With the Moon" - WINNER Bronze - TV Social Campaign

CLIO Awards 2022 - MTV "Drinking Alone With the Moon" - Finalist - TV Doc​​​​​​​

Promax Global 2022 - Disney/Marvel "Spidey and His Amazing Friends" - WINNER Silver - Global Excellence Best Short Subject

Cannes Lions Young Directors Award 2021 - Snakehips & Jess Glynne "Lie For You" - Finalist - Best Animation

1.4 Awards 2021 - Snakehips & Jess Glynne "Lie For You" - WINNER Silver - Best Animation

Shots Select 2020 - Snakehips & Jess Glynne "Lie For You" - WINNER

MTV VMA 2020 - Monsta X "Someone's Someone" - Finalist - Best K-Pop Video

MMA Smarties Indonesia 2020 - Nestlé "Anti Manifesto" - WINNER Gold - Direct Response / Conversion Category

MMA Smarties APAC 2020 - Nestlé "Anti Manifesto" - WINNER Silver - Cross Media Category

MMA Smarties Indonesia 2020 - Nestlé "Anti Manifesto" - WINNER Bronze - Cross Media Category

Citra Pariwara Awards 2019 - Nestlé "Anti Manifesto" - WINNER Silver - Best Digital Campaign