Cannes Lions 2022 – back and roaring!

With its reputation for sun, sand and superyachts, Cannes has long been a magnet for the glitterati and festivals. The top two are the ‘no introduction necessary’ film festival, and one of our most favourite industry events, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. 

Since its first outing in 1954, the Cannes Lions has been beckoning the creative communications industry every year to learn, network and pop champagne corks till the wee hours. 

Like just about everything during the pandemic, Lions 2020 got cancelled. 2021 did see it shaking off its mane and re-emerging in digital glory, but, let’s face it, the glow of our laptop screens can’t compete with the South of France’s sunshine. So, it’s a very relieved creative community that’s returning to the French playground between the 20th and 24th June, to refocus on the future. Just before the sun lotion goes out of date. Phew! 

As we’d expect, some of the biggest names in the industry are going to be there, however a good handful of tinseltown’s stardust is going to be sprinkled courtesy of both Patrick Stewart and Ryan Reynolds, who are both giving talks. Also taking the stand are such internationally famous names as the inspirational Nobel Laureate Malala  Yousafzai, and mega-influencer and entrepreneur Paris Hilton. 

Before we get too star-struck, let’s not forget what everyone is here for, and that’s to celebrate and explore the value of creativity for brands. From product and service development to the creative strategy, execution and impact, the spotlight’s on these guys. 

Lions is determined that its awards will inspire creativity in the next generation of leaders. With this in mind, its awards are being decided by a jury of names that symbolise excellence. 

As Simon Cook, Lions CEO explains: “We are delighted to welcome such an immensely talented set of jurors to benchmark creative excellence at Cannes Lions this year. Our juries play a pivotal role in recognising the world’s best creative marketing and championing the work that will pave the way forward for the global industry.” 

And he’s not kidding – the roaring 2022 line-up consists of 290 jury members from across the world, representing the global industry’s leading talent from a diverse range of disciplines. First time brands to join the jury include Ford, Frito-Lay, Riot Games, Kansas City Chiefs, and WeTransfer, while platforms and entertainment companies are represented by Amazon, Google, Google Zoo, Pinterest, Snap, Spotify, TikTok, Netflix, Meta, and many more. Meanwhile, among the many global networks attending the panel are Accenture Song and Hakuhodo.   

So, okay, Cannes is a great venue for celebrating the best, but we’re also here to consider the future. Being able to constantly adapt to the way we connect with consumers is vital for our industry. It’s not just about storytelling, but also spotting new opportunities in a fast changing and challenging world. And this is what Lions is all about. This year, the themes in sharp focus are Sustainability, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Data and Technology, Brand Creativity and Effectiveness, Talent and Business Transformation. 

In line with the Cannes Lions’ priority of promoting the new genius on the block, they invited anyone with original ideas to apply to speak or enter for an award. Although this came with a warning – “only the bravest and most effective will make it on to the stage”. 

Sounds intriguing! See you on the promenade!