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Film Lions

The Film Lions celebrate the creativity of the moving image.

Introduction

The history of the Film Lions

The Film Lions are one of the most prestigious and enduring Awards at Cannes Lions, celebrating creativity in visual storytelling through the medium of film. Introduced as the only award at the Festival's inception in 1954, the Film Lions were created to honour excellence in cinematic advertising, recognising commercials that captivate audiences with compelling narratives, exceptional craft, and innovative techniques.

Over the decades, the award has evolved to reflect changes in the industry, expanding beyond traditional television spots to include digital films, branded content, and innovative video formats. The Film Lions remain a benchmark for outstanding storytelling, honouring work that not only entertains but also connects deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impression and driving brand impact.

As branded communications has shifted to new platforms, the Film Lions continue to celebrate the enduring power of the moving image to tell stories that resonate across cultures and generations.

What kind of work can be entered?

Eligible work includes television commercials (TVCs), cinema, online and viral films, videos for events and other screens. It can also include innovative formats like interactive and immersive videos, 360° video, VR films, and microfilms (e.g., Instagram/Snap).

Please note that two Grands Prix are always selected for the Film Lions: one from Section A: TV/Cinema Film: Sectors and one from Sections B-F.

What’s the Jury looking for?

Exceptional execution paired with a powerful creative concept that aligns seamlessly with the brand. The work must showcase outstanding brand storytelling crafted specifically for the screen—whether for TV, cinema, online platforms, or out-of-home experiences.

Film entries are judged on the creative idea and execution rather than the results. Winning work is often evocative, bold and built around a strong narrative.

SAMMAKORN NOT SANPAKORN | SAMMAKORN | CHOOJAI AND FRIENDS, BANGKOK | GOLD, FILM LIONS | 2024

The categories

A. TV/Cinema Film: Sectors

Films that aired on TV or in cinemas. All films must be 180 seconds or fewer. The same entry can be submitted only once in this section.

B. Online Film: Sectors

Films that aired online, including pre-roll adverts. The same entry can be submitted only once in this section.

C. Viral Film

D. Screens & Events

Films that aired on screens other than TV, cinema or online.

E. Innovation in Film

Innovative use of the film medium to communicate a brand’s message.

If you’re submitting a series of films, please upload all executions in a single video file with slates denoting the start of the next execution.

F. Culture & Context

Work that is brought to life through cultural insights and regional context.

If you're submitting a series of films, please upload all executions in a single video file with slates denoting the start of the next execution.

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 is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Film as long as the categories chosen are relevant.

Exceptions:

  • The same piece of work may only be entered once into section ‘A. TV/Cinema Film: Sectors’ and once into section 'B. Online Film: Sectors'.
  • In sections A, B, C and D each execution constitutes one entry. In Sections E and F multiple executions may be entered as one entry.

All Film executions must have run within the eligibility period.

SUMMER | GRAB RIDE-HAILING AND FOOD DELIVERY APP | GIGIL, MANILA | SILVER, FILM LIONS | 2024

Previous Winners

Play it Safe

Cannes Lions 2024 Grand Prix The Monkeys, Accenture Song, Sydney / Sydney Opera House / 2024

The Sydney Opera House enlisted Australian satirist and lyricist Tim Minchin to create an original song and music video celebrating 50 years of the iconic landmark. It reached 1.8 billion people worldwide and resulted in over 677 pieces of coverage.

PLAY IT SAFE | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE | THE MONKEYS, ACCENTURE SONG, SYDNEY | GRAND PRIX, FILM LIONS | 2024

Why the work won

The Film Jury awarded this work the Film Grand Prix for its flawless execution and celebration of the creative spirit. Jury President Tor Myhren said “this film really made me proud to be in this industry because it's an industry that fights for creativity everyday”.

PLAY IT SAFE | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE | THE MONKEYS, ACCENTURE SONG, SYDNEY | GRAND PRIX, FILM LIONS | 2024

WoMen’s Football

Marcel Paris / Orange / 2024

French Telco and partner of the French Football Federation Orange used deepfake technology to combat prejudice and promote the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The film attracted over 200m organic views and over 450 pieces of cross-media PR coverage.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL | ORANGE | MARCEL PARIS | GRAND PRIX, FILM LIONS | 2024

Why the work won

The Film Jury awarded this work the Film Grand Prix for its bold, groundbreaking creative idea that left a lasting impact. Jury President Tor Myhren described it as “the biggest idea on film we saw all year,” emphasising how its sheer audacity and originality stood out in a sea of entries. He explained, “Sometimes, the idea itself transcends everything else in the execution. This film’s concept was so powerful that it overshadowed all other considerations, and the emotional response it elicited was undeniable.” The work resonated not just through its technical craftsmanship, but by striking a deep emotional chord with viewers, elevating it to a level of creative excellence that could not be overlooked.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL | ORANGE | MARCEL PARIS | GRAND PRIX, FILM LIONS | 2024

LIONS Backstage: Tor Myhren

To hear more from Tor Myhren about how he and his Jury selected the winning work, check out the video below.

Entries & Judging

What are the judging criteria?

The main criteria considered during judging will be the idea, the execution and the impact.

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 Film Lions, 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

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