Film Lions
The Film Lions celebrate the creativity of the moving image.
On this page
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.
All fast-moving and durable consumer goods, including but not limited to food and beverages, toiletries, cleaning products, other household goods, other FMCGs, clothing and accessories, furniture, and consumer electronics.
All fast-food entries should be entered into A04. Travel, Leisure, Retail, Restaurants & Fast-Food Chains.
Pharma, OTC drugs, wellness.
If the work has been created for a Charity/NFP then this should be entered into A07.
Vehicles, other automobiles.
All transport- and travel-related services, including public transport and tourism boards. All entertainment- and leisure-related services, including museums, festivals and gyms. All shops, including online retailers, opticians, hairdressers and estate agents. All restaurants and fast food chains, including cafés and bars.
Music, film, television, publications and media, books, news, digital platforms and other media.
All commercial public services, legal, financial, B2B technology, consultancies and professional services, other business services, internal and corporate communications.
Government, public information, NGOs, military, charities, non-profit organisations. All corporate social responsibility work should be entered in the relevant sector and/or F07. Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility category in section F. Culture & Context.
B. Online Film: Sectors
Films that aired online, including pre-roll adverts. The same entry can be submitted only once in this section.
All fast-moving and durable consumer goods, including but not limited to food and beverages, toiletries, cleaning products, other household goods, other FMCGs, clothing and accessories, furniture, and consumer electronics.
All fast-food entries should be entered into B04. Travel, Leisure, Retail, Restaurants & Fast-Food Chains.
Pharma, OTC drugs, wellness.
If the work has been created for a Charity/NFP then this should be entered into B07.
Vehicles, other automobiles.
All transport- and travel-related services, including public transport and tourism boards. All entertainment- and leisure-related services, including museums, festivals and gyms. All shops, including online retailers, opticians, hairdressers and estate agents. All restaurants and fast food chains, including cafés and bars.
Music, film, television, publications and media, books, news, digital platforms and other media.
All commercial public services, legal, financial, B2B technology, consultancies and professional services, other business services, internal and corporate communications.
Government, public information, NGOs, military, charities, non-profit organisations. All corporate social responsibility work should be entered in the relevant sector and/or F07. Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility category in section F. Culture & Context.
D. Screens & Events
Films that aired on screens other than TV, cinema or online.
Films shown at public and private events. This could include, but not be limited to, sporting venues, festivals, expos, trade shows, award shows, seminars and internal presentations.
Short-form films made for social platforms. This could include, but not be limited to, Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.
Multiple executions can be entered as one entry up to a maximum of 60 seconds. Each microfilm should be a maximum of 15 seconds in length.
Video and computer-generated content created for immersive experiences that creatively push the boundaries within film. This could include, but not be limited to, photography, AI, AR, VR, XR, gamification, virtual worlds, the metaverse and all other emerging platforms. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
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.
Innovative use of TV/cinema to communicate a brand’s message.
Innovative use of online film to communicate a brand’s message.
Innovative use of film content shown at public and private events to communicate a brand’s message.
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.
Work for brands distributed solely within a specific locality. The work should resonate with a clearly defined, local target audience.
Brands that have creatively adapted their approach in response to competitor pressure by challenging the status quo to create game-changing work that uses progressive thinking and innovative creativity.
Work that aired or ran in a single country / region / market. The work should describe how the campaign was designed for the specific target market.
Work inspired by a specific audience or community, relying on identifiable social behaviour. The work should demonstrate how leveraging insights into consumer behaviour can create a powerful connection with a brand.
Work that celebrates the art of humour in branded communications, infusing wit, satire, and cleverness into campaigns that provide amusement and create memorable, laughter-inducing connections with audiences.
Creative use of modest budgets and/or resources in relation to the market and/or industry to create maximum impact. The work should demonstrate how fresh insight, smart spending and compelling strategic thinking solved a business problem despite limited resources.
Purpose-driven work/brand activism that addresses social, ethical and environmental issues. The work should demonstrate how the brand’s purpose has created value and affected communities by connecting customers to culture.
Brands that have creatively adapted their strategy in response to local / regional / global issues, embracing new ways of delivering their brand while showing consideration for the consumer.
Work that honours marketers who craft strategic solutions rooted in the lived experiences of culturally grounded communities. This approach reflects and translates the nuances of customs, behaviours, and traditions that shape foundational perspectives on identity (e.g. disability, gender, race, orientation, age). Such insights reveal how diverse audiences choose brands and media experiences, driving growth and impact.
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
The word limit for this section is 100 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please provide any brand and cultural context that would help the jury understand any cultural, national or regional nuances applicable to this work.
You should outline why this piece of work was created for this particular brand, in this market, at this particular moment in time, with all of the cultural and market conditions.
The word limit for this section is 250 words.
This question is compulsory.
Do not comment on the brief / challenges / success of the film.
The word limit for this section is 250 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please select the objective(s) that were most important when creating this work – what the work set out to achieve.
For the jury to accurately assess the work, it must first establish its objectives. As you progress through the entry system, you must link your results back to each objective selected.
- Overachieve on brand metrics (e.g. awareness, engagement)
- Change consumer behaviour (e.g. attitudes, frequency, penetration)
- Create short-term sales growth (e.g. sales, promotions, discounts)
- Improve brand health (e.g. consideration, preference)
- Create sustained sales success (e.g. profit, sales)
- Create long-term brand and sales growth (e.g. shareholder value, retention, loyalty)
There is no word limit for this section.
This question is compulsory.
Please provide a summary of your entry.
- describe the background and context behind the work
- what creative challenges did the work face
This should be an overview of the work and an analysis of its effectiveness. You should describe how the objectives of the campaign have been successfully met.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
- Yes
- No
This question is compulsory.
I would like the Jury to see this response when judging this work (tick box)
Please outline how this piece of work has aligned with the brand’s sustainability strategy. This could involve either operational measures to reduce the impact on the environment, and consumer strategies to encourage positive behaviour change, or both.
Please provide details of the benchmarks used for measuring the success of this piece of work’s contribution to the overall strategy. This could include, but is not limited to, targets around advertising business operations - advertising production - media planning and buying.
This question is optional.
I would like the Jury to see this response when judging this work (tick box)
Based on the brief, what consideration was given to representation and diversity of the team(s) involved?
What consideration was given to accessibility in the work and what role did DEI thinking play throughout the development of the work?
This question is optional.
If there are additional results you wish to disclose to the Jury but prefer to keep confidential, please enter them below.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is optional.
Category Specific Questions
Explain how the work innovatively used the film medium.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for Section E.
Please comment on how the brand resonated with a specific target audience in a single locality.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F01.
Please tell us how the work challenged or was different from the brand's competitors.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F02.
Please tell us how the work was designed/adapted for a single country / region / market.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F03.
Please tell us about the social behaviour that inspired the work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F04.
Please tell us about the humour insight that inspired the work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F05.
Please provide budget details that show how the campaign achieved breakthrough results on a limited budget. Consider:
- the overall budget
- the breakdown of costs
- how the campaign maximised reach vs expenditure
- the significant impact this adjustment had on the campaign's effectiveness.
We recommend providing as much context as possible to understand the budget spend. However, we understand that different cases will have different types of results.
*(Any confidential information should be entered in the confidential information field)
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F06.
Please tell us how the brand purpose inspired the work
- Explain how the purpose is ingrained in the core values and mission of the brand’s DNA.
- Discuss the impact of these initiatives on communities, society or the environment.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F07.
Please tell us how market disruption inspired the work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F08.
Please tell us about the specific cultural insight that drove the nuanced engagement behind this work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for F09.
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.
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