Cannes Lions 2017 – open for entries, unveils simplified submission process

Newsroom Creativity, Festivals & Awards

Cannes Lions 2017 opened the submissions period. This year’s edition of the festival doesn’t include new Lions and focused more on improving and simplifying the entry process to make sure it is clear and easy to navigate. Among the introduced improvements there is a new 10-points entry checklist, designed to guide people through the system more effectively.

Although there are no new categories for the 64th edition of the festival, some subcategories were revised, with changes affecting the following:

  • Innovation Lions – sees two new categories introduced this year: ‘Technological Craft & Development’ (for technical prowess behind the ideas) & Early Stage Technology (space for prototypes and beta stage ideas, providing opportunities for start-ups to enter their best work)
  • Creative Data Lions – now aiming to recognize use of creative insight in a more accurate and meaningful way, introduces ‘Data Strategy’, ‘Data-Driven Targeting’ and ‘Use of Real-Time Data’, while the data section within Media Lions was refined.
  • Media Lions adds ‘Excellence in Media’ (how a media campaign delivered outcomes for a brand through outstanding media strategy, planning and execution).
  • Promo & Activation Lions adds ‘Experience’ section (engaging, immersive, face-to-face customer-focussed brand experiences with storytelling at the heart).

Simon Cook, Director of Awards for Cannes Lions:

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.

Jose Papa, Managing Director of 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.

The 64th edition of the festival is scheduled to take place between June 17-24, in Cannes. This year, the application for press accreditation closes on May 31st, due to an increase in requests of attendance.