New Categories Added with Improvisations to Simplify Entry Process
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is now open for entries to the Lions – the global awards that celebrate the best creative work through 24 key disciplines.
Entry numbers have grown annually, reaching a record-breaking 43,101 in 2016.
Significant focus has been placed on improving and simplifying the entry process to ensure it is clear and easy to navigate. Improvements include a new 10-point entry checklist, designed to guide people through the system more effectively.
Two new categories are introduced under the Innovation Lions this year; Technological Craft & Development will award the technical prowess behind the ideas, and Early Stage Technology offers a space for prototypes and beta stage ideas, providing opportunities for start-ups to enter their best work.
The Promo & Activation Lions introduces a new Experience section for engaging, immersive, face-to-face customer-focused brand experiences.
The Creative Data Lions, which aim to recognise the use of creative insight in a more accurate and meaningful way have Data Strategy, Data-Driven Targeting and Use of Real-Time Data categories added in, while Media Lions have added the Excellence in Media section which recognises how a media campaign delivers outcomes for a brand through outstanding media strategy, planning and execution.
“The Lions are developed in partnership with the industry and are in a continual state of review, because it’s vital they continue to reflect current shifts. So this year, there is no new Lion, instead, we’ve focussed on our existing awards and made developments to cement their relevance,” said Simon Cook, Director of Awards for Cannes Lions.
“The work that wins Lions demonstrates the most exciting and innovative progressions in creative communications and sets the standard globally. The awards will always remain the heart of the Festival,” added Jose Papa, Managing Director of Cannes Lions.
The festival serves as a global meeting place for those working in branded communications and attracts over 15K attendees from around 100 countries.
Cannes Lions Stories, the event’s new content arm, delivers insider knowledge, category history and emerging industry trends. The Awards team will publish weekly features, providing candid insights and showcasing examples of shortlisted and winning work from previous years.
Those looking to enter work can find further information online and discuss submissions directly here.
The World Branding Forum is an official media partner of Cannes Lions.
