About us
The festival
Every year, Cannes Lions explores the value of creativity in branded communication: from product and service development to the creative strategy, execution and impact.
Why it matters
The definition of creativity is changing all the time: it is no longer confined to the art of storytelling. To create meaningful connections with consumers in this disrupted and dis-intermediated world, communicators are presented with both immense challenges and mind-blowing opportunities. Cannes Lions is where you find the tools to win.
Who comes, speaks and wins?
We interrogate the methodologies, approaches and achievements of all types of companies: from tiny start-ups to huge multi-nationals. Anyone with original ideas can enter speaking submissions or awards entries, but only the bravest – and most effective - will make it on to the stage.
The Cannes Lions story
Inspired by the International Film Festival, a group of worldwide cinema screen advertising contractors felt that the makers of advertising films should receive similar recognition. In order to promote the cinema medium, they established the International Advertising Film Festival in 1954.
The first Festival took place in Venice with 187 film entries from 14 countries competing. The Lion of Piazza San Marcos in Venice was the inspiration for the Lion trophy. The second Festival was held in Monte Carlo and then in Cannes in 1956. After that, the Festival took place alternately between Venice and Cannes.
In 1984, Cannes became the permanent home of the festival before Roger Hatchuel took the festival into the modern era when he took control of the event in 1987. Over the following 30 years the festival and awards continued to evolve to reflect the changing face of communications. Today, it continues to serve all of marketing communications as a forum for debate and discussions.