MSN today announced 30 finalists for the second annual Emmessenny Awards, which recognize excellence and creativity in online advertising by rewarding the most outstanding ad content to appear on the MSN� network of Internet services over the past year. This year's competition saw 280 entries, nearly double last year's entries, highlighting innovative campaigns from agencies such as OgilvyOne, Carat Interactive, Digitas LLC, Starcom IP, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Euro RSCG, Tribal DDB New York, and MarketSource, representing companies such as HP, adidas, Volvo Cars, Coca-Cola Co., Johnson & Johnson, New Balance and others. Winners will be announced at the Emmessenny Awards gala Tuesday, Aug. 3, in Manhattan.

"In only their second year of existence, the Emmessennys have become a coveted distinction for online campaigns," said Greg Stuart, president and CEO of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, who is serving as chairman and moderator for this year's judging committee. "The competition is fierce. These agencies and marketers have done some terrific work over the past year, and that is making it very difficult for our judges. With so many great entries, I'd have to say that the state of online advertising is stronger than ever."