The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, returning from 22–26 June 2026, has revealed a refreshed awards line-up ahead of submissions opening on 15 January. The biggest addition is the new Creative Brand Lion, introduced to recognise not just the work brands produce, but the internal systems that make consistent creative excellence possible.
LIONS CEO Simon Cook said the award marks a shift in perspective. For decades, Cannes Lions has celebrated the outputs—the campaigns that drive demand. Now, the Festival is turning its attention to the inputs: the cultures, processes and capabilities that help brands generate breakthrough ideas again and again. These visionary brands, he said, are building the foundations that turn creativity into long-term business impact.
The update comes as the industry navigates rapid change and increasing pressure to prove the return on creative investment. By spotlighting organisational creativity, Cannes Lions aims to celebrate brands that prioritise structure and consistency as much as ambition and craft—recognising that sustainable creativity requires both inspiration and intention.
Alongside the new category, several existing Lions have evolved. The Creative Data Lion has been revamped to reflect data’s new role as a strategic driver of ideas, not just an input. Cannes has also introduced AI Craft subcategories across craft-led Lions, showcasing work where human creativity and AI blend to unlock new possibilities. With retail media rising fast, new subcategories will also capture innovation across this growing space.
As Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, noted, data, AI and new media channels are reshaping how creativity solves business problems. These updates ensure the Festival stays aligned with that shift. With creativity accelerating into new frontiers, Cannes Lions 2026 is setting the stage to honour the brands and ideas leading the way forward.
