Cannes Lions published 2019 Global Creativity Report

Cannes Lions announced the release of the 2019 Global Creativity Report, the industry-leading resource for creativity and effectiveness benchmarking. The report has been extended this year, with contributions from partner company WARC, the global marketing and media intelligence service.

New editorial sections provide in-depth analysis and insights. Each section dissects one of the nine Festival Tracks and the winning work, focusing on a Grand Prix winner from each Track. The GCR highlights the diversity of companies that picked-up the Grand Prix accolade in 2019, hailing from countries as far reaching as Canada, China, Israel, Poland and the United Arab Emirates.

The Global Creativity Report provides historical data and rankings of Cannes Lions Special Awards, top performing agencies, production companies, brands and people. It presents a comprehensive overview of industry performance, both regionally and globally.

Among the top performers, Wieden+Kennedy took the Agency of the Year number one place, demonstrating the strong performance of independent agencies across the Festival. Agency of the Year and the Independent Agency of the Year by Track are also announced, highlighting the top-performing agencies in the Communication, Craft, Entertainment, Experience, Good and Reach Tracks. Winners include Droga5, New York; RBK Communications Stockholm; VMLY&R Poland, Warsaw & VMLY&R, Kansas City.

Burger King took the inaugural Creative Brand of the Year Award 2019 and tallied a total of 40 Lions this year, vs 16 Lions in 2015. This accolade coincided with Burger King announcing an all-time high in terms of commercial success.

Simon Cook, Managing Director, Cannes Lions, said: “The Global Creativity Report has evolved this year. It is the definitive global benchmark for creativity and effectiveness in the branded communication industry and the editorial provided by our partners at WARC gives an in-depth analysis of the trends and themes that emerged from inside the jury rooms at this year’s festival, alongside rich historical data and rankings. It’s an essential resource for the global creative and marketing community. Creativity has become increasingly business critical, so understanding where the bar sits has never been so important. This report is a tool for anyone looking to gain competitive advantage by unlocking creative potential.”

David Tiltman, VP Content, WARC, said: “From innovative e-commerce ideas to breakthrough advertising, from brand activism to tech brilliance, the winners of Cannes Lions represent creative excellence across marketing and communications. WARC is delighted to have partnered on the Global Creativity Report, identifying the trends and themes across this body of work.”

Ranking highlights also published: Network of the Year went to McCann Worldgroup, for the first time on record, rising from 4th place in 2018. Omnicom retained their 2018 title, taking the number one ranking as Holding Company of the Year 2019.

The Regional Networks of the Year are also announced. Asia-Pacific went to BBDO Worldwide; Latin America to Ogilvy; EMEA to McCann Worldgroup; and North America to FCB. The top ranked Creative Directors, Art Directors, Copywriters and Directors show a strong performance by staff members from AMVBBDO, London, FCB New York & Hungry Man, New York.

The Global Creativity Report is available to download here or Cannes Lions’ digital platform, The Work for subscribers.