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Entertainment Lions for Music

The Entertainment Lions for Music celebrate creative musical collaborations and branded music content.

Introduction

The history of the Entertainment Lions for Music

The Entertainment Lions for Music were the first specialist discipline to branch out of the original Entertainment Lions, marking a significant expansion to the Awards’ scope. Launched in 2016, this Lion was introduced to celebrate the long-established and ever-evolving role of music in creative campaigns, acknowledging how it has become an integral part of storytelling across various media.

The Entertainment Lions for Music celebrate work that uses music not only as a tool for emotional connection and brand storytelling but also as a central element of the content’s creative production, promotion, and distribution. It recognises work where music plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall narrative and audience engagement, whether through original compositions, strategic licensing or innovative collaborations.

What kind of work can be entered?

Eligible work may include original compositions, licensed tracks, or remixes that elevate the narrative of branded content, advertisements, or campaigns. This Lion also recognises collaborations between brands and artists, such as bespoke music videos, live performances, or innovative partnerships that create a unique cultural connection.

Additionally, work leveraging music to drive social impact, launch new products, or engage communities through interactive or immersive experiences are welcomed.

Brands refers to talent, artists, creators, influencers, organisations, sponsors, platforms, media owners, rights holders or any entity that produces and distributes products and content related to the music industry.

What’s the Jury looking for?

The work should demonstrate innovative uses of music that elevate storytelling, evoke powerful emotions, and forge strong connections with audiences. It should show originality, cultural relevance, and authenticity, as well as the strategic integration of music to achieve measurable results.

ANTSLIVE 'CUTLERY' | ANTSLIVE | MOTHER, LONDON | SILVER, ENTERTAINMENT LIONS FOR MUSIC | 2024

The Categories

A. Branded Content for Music

Creative music content to promote a track, album, artist or brand.

B. Music-Led Brand Experience

Meaningful, engaging experiences and activations created to attract or maintain an audience.

C. Community

Work that focuses on the development, maintenance and nurturing of a community or fanbase.

D. Partnerships

Exceptional strategic partnerships between brands and music entities.

E. Challenges & Breakthroughs

Creative and innovative work that is brought to life through deep cultural insight, regional context and progressive thinking.

Eligibility

Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 8 February 2024 - 10 April 2025.

Is there a limit to how many times I can enter?

There’s no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into the Entertainment Lions for Music as long as the categories chosen are relevant.

VIDEO VINYL | COCA-COLA | OGILVY, SINGAPORE | BRONZE, ENTERTAINMENT LIONS FOR MUSIC | 2024

Previous Winners

Errata At 88

Cannes Lions 2024 Grand Prix AlmapBBDO, São Paulo / Diageo / 2024

To reignite love for Johnnie Walker in Brazil, the Diageo-owned whisky brand revived a forgotten woman pioneer of Brazilian Bossa Nova. Its integrated campaign lifted her Spotify listeners by 800% and regained Johnnie Walker’s lead as the most loved whisky brand in the country and the most distinctive brand in the spirits category.

ERRATA AT 88 | DIAEGO | ALMAPBBDO, SÃO PAULO | GRAND PRIX, ENTERTAINMENT LIONS FOR MUSIC | 2024

Why the work won

The Entertainment Lions for Music Jury awarded this work the Grand Prix for its ability to seamlessly integrate music into a narrative that was not only engaging but also deeply aligned with the brand’s identity and purpose. Jury member Pierre Carnet praised the campaign for "finding an insight that’s interesting and relevant," highlighting the importance of uncovering a unique and meaningful connection with the audience. The work's success lay in its ability to transform this insight into a story that was both functional for the brand and emotionally resonant, using music as a driving force to forge a powerful connection with viewers.

ERRATA AT 88 | DIAGEO | ALMAPBBDO, SÃO PAULO | GRAND PRIX, ENTERTAINMENT LIONS FOR MUSIC | 2024

Inside the Jury Room: Entertainment Lions for Music

To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.

Entries & Judging

What are the judging criteria?

A number of criteria will be considered during judging, weighted as follows: 30% creative idea; 20% strategy & insight; 30% craft & execution; 20% results.

What do I need to provide with my entry?

To enter, you’ll need to complete an online entry form, which can be found on the Cannes Lions entry site. In the ‘Written Explanation’ section, you’ll be asked to provide the Jury with everything they need to know about your work.

You’ll also be able to submit optional supporting materials to provide additional context with your entry.

All case films, films, demo films and original content must be subtitled in English.

Detailed information outlining the entry process can be found on A Guide to the Cannes Lions Awards.

What if I don’t have all the details right away?

Don’t worry – you can fill in the form in any order and save your progress at any time while it’s still in the pending stage. However, please only check out when your entry is 100% complete as no changes can be made to your entry once you’ve clicked “Submit” and “Checkout”.

The Written Submission

Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.

To start your entry to the Entertainment Lions for Music, go to our Awards page.

The Jury will refer to the written explanation you provide throughout the judging process. Our advice is to provide as much relevant detail as possible.

When answering the following questions keep the main element you’re trying to celebrate in mind (e.g. the storytelling, the strategy, the craft, the use of data).

The bullet points under each question are prompts designed to guide your thinking, based on the factors the jury will be considering when reviewing your work. You might not need to use them all, and that’s totally fine. They’re there to help you consider what’s most important in your work.

Questions

Category Specific Questions

NO SMILES | MCDONALDS | TBWA\HAKUHODO, TOKYO | BRONZE, ENTERTAINMENT LIONS FOR MUSIC | 2024

Contact us

Everything you need to know to enter

For more detailed information on how to use the entry site, craft a compelling submission or submit your work we have a whole range of resources.

From Entry Guides that give you a step-by-step overview of the entire process to the Entry Kits that provide all the detailed rules and requirements for each and every category.

Information and advice on how to enter

We are here to help

As Awards Experts, we know the Lions inside out. We can help with:

  • Sharing the updates to the Awards for 2025
  • Offering best-practice advice on how to craft a compelling entry
  • Discussing your work and relevant categories
  • Scheduling regular catch-ups to answer any questions that arise throughout the entry process.

Whether you have a specific query or would like expert advice, get in touch today.

Email: awards@canneslions.com Helpline: +44 0 20 7046 1155