I don’t know anything about the awards for outstanding TV ads — except that they exist — but whatever agency has the Cheerios account needs to make room in their display case. If you haven’t seen their current ad, click on the brand name above and have a look. It’s a really sweet little story of a young couple adopting two children, who are at first reluctant to leave their orphanage or foster home. The, on the van ride, the adoptive parents end up using Cheerios to create a bonding moment. Finally — after the fact — they tell you that the ad is based on a true story.

It’s well cast, well acted, well directed, a sweet little mini-movie that tugs at the heartstrings (and actually showcases the product, unlike some ads that are too creative for their own good). And I think waiting until the end to use the “based on true events” message is a stroke of genius.