More than 300 jurors have gathered in Cannes ahead of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, which opens Monday, to judge 20,050 submissions from 92 countries across this year’s awards program. This is down from 26,900 submissions received into the 2025 Awards.
For 2026, Cannes Lions introduced new Awards Integrity Standards across all categories. In their first year, the standards have, according to the organizers, supported the overall quality of award entries while driving a more focused approach to submissions.
“We have been working closely with our international community over the last year on what are considered and significant steps, and thank everyone for their support, cooperation and leadership,” said Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS. “Together, we understand that these strengthened standards are not designed to restrict creativity, but to fortify it – ensuring breakthrough work gets the recognition it deserves, while preserving the integrity that makes the recognition meaningful and enduring.”
Shortlists released Monday cover the Health & Wellness, Outdoor, Creative B2B, Pharma, Print & Publishing, and Audio & Radio Lions. Ten pieces of work have also been shortlisted for the inaugural Creative Brand Lions, a new category recognizing the use of systems, cultures, and capabilities available to brand marketers.
Brands account for 10% of all work submitted this year, up from 8% in 2025. Approximately 400 brands will be present in Cannes across the Brand Village, B2B Summit, LIONS Creators, and the first LIONS Sport. Industry figure Jim Stengel has been named the inaugural Lions Laureate for Marketing.
Independents
Independent agencies, including Indie Networks, make up almost a third of all entries this year, with more Jury Presidents representing indie agencies than in any previous edition. A new Challenger Pass gives independently-owned businesses full Classic pass access to the festival.
The festival has also expanded its leadership forums for 2026. The CEO Forum returns on the opening day, welcoming 50 global CEOs to a confidential session. New this year is the LIONS Global CMO Forum, a closed-door, peer-level format for senior marketers to discuss growth, capital allocation, and board-level influence.
New AI Craft subcategories have been introduced across the craft-led Lions this year, recognizing work where human creativity and artificial intelligence are used together.
“Our industry is constantly shifting, adapting and innovating, and 2026 feels like it will be remembered as a transformative year for many reasons,” Cook said. “We know from our 73-year history that the Awards reflect industry disruption, but also opportunity; and we can see that through greater engagement from Brand marketers and Independents. Given the shifts we’re witnessing in the industry right now, coming together to navigate those, and celebrate the work that sets the standard for creativity, feels more essential than ever.”
Cannes Lions runs from June 22 to 26.
