What You Need To Know About Cannes Lions In 2025

1. It Was Inspired by the Oscars of Ads: 

   The first Cannes Lions was actually located in Venice, Italy in 1954 not in France. It originally was and was modeled after the Venice Film Festival. In the late 50’s they moved it to Canes to make it a bit fancier and probably to justify Rose as a business expense lol.

2. You Can Win a Lion For Something That Never Ran:

   Ads or campaigns that are eligible for entries don’t actually have to be run with a large media buy behind it. In fact part of the angle Cannes Lions has is celebrating the smaller lesser known agencies or campaigns to the masses. Obviously if you have money like Publicis now (lol) and a crazy development budget you will end up being a finalist.

3.  AI and data are playing a part in the awards this year:

   Digital Craft: are a few awards for “Data & AI” usage to enhance brand experiences.

   AI Storytelling: Creative use of artificial intelligence to engage with a specific audience or community. (FIND THE GARTNER AI EXAMPLE OF THE DOG)

   Emerging Technology: Includes immersive or emerging technologies focusing on pushing the digital realm.

4. Entry Fees Can Run Up To $2k:

   “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” it actually costs big bucks to enter Cannes Lions contests. Ranging from under $1k if you submit before March 6th. Here is a full list of the entry prices by date range if you’re interested in seeing the breakdown.

5. Most Attendees Never Step Foot in the Actual Festival

   High ticket costs combined with many free pop-ups, networking, and events most people don’t step foot into the ticketed areas. Also the coffee shops, bars, and free beaches make it a great place to hang out in and visit. You will run into people in the advertising industry pretty often.

The glittering yachts in the Port of Cannes are a central part of the Cannes Lions experience, serving as exclusive hubs for networking, meetings, and parties. While you can rent one yourself if you’ve got a couple million lying around here is how you typically get on board:

1. The Company Yacht

   Many major agencies, tech companies, and brands charter yachts for the festival. If your company has one, or if you're a key client or partner, you'll likely receive an invitation from your internal teams or direct from the host.

2. The Invitation-Only Network

   Most yacht access is by invitation. Leverage your existing industry connections and reach out to colleagues or clients who might have access. Companies often announce their yacht events beforehand, so targeted outreach expressing your interest can sometimes lead to an invite. Genuine conversations at official or fringe events can also open doors.

3. Right Place, Right Time Less reliable but possible: stroll along Yacht Row. You might overhear open invitations or bump into someone who can extend a "plus one." Always have your badge visible and be ready to introduce yourself.

2025 Spotify Beach Artists Lineup

Full details and link to Spotify Beach Is Here

• June 17:

  • Alex Warren

  • sombr

  • Royel Otis

• June 18:

  • Cardi B

  • Mark Ronson (DJ set)

  • Lola Young

   

🔥 Click Here For A Full List of Cannes Lions Events

Click here to see a great breakdown of all the parties over the next two weeks at Cannes Lions🍸🍺🍾🥂