The Line-Up Sees Participation from Established Creative Agencies, Independents, Brands, and Geographies
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is not just an event; it’s a global celebration of creativity that sets the standard for excellence in the industry. Scheduled to take place from 22–26 June 2026, this year’s festival promises to be particularly exciting, showcasing a diverse array of voices from established creative agencies, independent firms, and brands across various sectors and geographies.
The Dominican Republic and Venezuela Join the Line-Up for the First Time
This year marks a significant milestone as the Dominican Republic and Venezuela join the Cannes Lions jury for the first time. Their inclusion highlights the festival’s commitment to embracing a broader spectrum of creative talent and perspectives. This expansion reflects the growing recognition of the vibrant creative scenes in these countries, which are increasingly making their mark on the global stage.
A Diverse Jury Reflecting Global Perspectives
The 2026 Awarding Jury line-up is a testament to the evolving landscape of the creative industry. With a focus on diversity, this year’s jurors come from various backgrounds, ensuring that the work is evaluated through a contemporary and global lens. The festival has made a concerted effort to include voices from Africa, the Pacific, MENA (Middle East and North Africa), and LATAM (Latin America), enriching the judging process with fresh insights and experiences.
Among the notable first-time jurors is AXA, a French brand that made waves in 2025 by winning 13 Lions. Their participation underscores the importance of brands in shaping creative narratives and pushing boundaries in the industry.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, emphasizes the significance of the Cannes Lions Jury, stating, “The impact of the Cannes Lions Jury can’t be underestimated. Their time and expertise in recognizing groundbreaking work sets the global creative benchmark for the year ahead.” This sentiment resonates throughout the industry, as the jury’s decisions influence trends and inspire creativity worldwide.
Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards at LIONS, adds, “The composition of this year’s Juries speaks to how creativity is evolving – it’s becoming more interconnected, more diverse, and more influential across every part of business.” This evolution is critical for setting the benchmark for creative excellence today, and the festival is proud to showcase a line-up that reflects this dynamic change.
A Glimpse at the Awarding Jurors
The 2026 Awarding Jurors represent a wide range of categories, each bringing their unique expertise and perspective. Here’s a snapshot of some of the jurors across various categories:
Audio & Radio
- Oriel Davis-Lyons | Chief Creative Officer, Mother New York, USA
- Beto Nahmad | Executive Creative Director, VCCP, Spain
- Claudia Hesse | CEO, Hesse Voices GmbH, Global
Brand Experience & Activation
- Rafael Pitanguy | Deputy Global Chief Creative Officer, VML, Global
- Amy Weston | Executive Creative Director, Clemenger BBDO, Australia
- Brisa Vicente | Co-CEO, Droga5 São Paulo, Brazil
Creative B2B
- Ty Heath | Global Director, Thought Leadership, LinkedIn, Global
- Adelise Ashdown | Global Head of Brand and Client Experience, JLL, Global
Creative Commerce
- Phil Camarota | Chief Creative Officer, Flywheel, Global
- Giant Kung | Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy, Taiwan
Digital Craft
- Andrés Ordóñez | Global Chief Creative Officer, McCann, Global
- Gurbaksh Singh | Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Creative, India
This is just a glimpse of the diverse talent that will be judging the entries this year. Each juror brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective, ensuring that the evaluation process is thorough and reflective of the current creative climate.
Looking Ahead to the Festival
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds around the innovative work that will be showcased and the discussions that will unfold. The Cannes Lions is not merely a competition; it is a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration among the brightest minds in the creative industry.
The 73rd edition of the festival will take place in the stunning locale of Cannes, France, from 22 to 26 June 2026. For those interested in attending, pass options are available on the official Cannes Lions website, providing an opportunity to be part of this extraordinary celebration of creativity.
In summary, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is set to be a landmark event in 2026, with a diverse and dynamic jury that reflects the global nature of the creative industry. The inclusion of new voices from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela further enriches this year’s festival, promising an exciting and inspiring experience for all involved.
