Media Lions
The Media Lions celebrate the context of creativity.
On this page
Introduction
The history of the Media Lions
The Media Lions were established in 1999 to honour outstanding work in media strategy and planning across all forms of communication. It evolved alongside the media landscape, adapting to the changes brought about by digital transformation, the rise of new platforms and shifts in consumer behaviour.
The Media Lions recognise innovative, effective, and creative use of media to deliver brand messages and drive consumer engagement. It celebrates campaigns that not only leverage traditional media channels like TV, print, and radio but also embrace digital, social media, data-driven marketing, and new technologies. Over the years, the Award has grown to reflect the increasing complexity of media planning, where creative strategies and insights are key to delivering impactful, measurable results.
Today, the Media Lions continue to highlight the importance of media in creating meaningful connections between brands and audiences, rewarding excellence in both strategy and execution.
What kind of work can be entered?
Work may include but is not limited to campaigns that effectively utilise traditional media channels such as television, radio, and print, as well as digital and social media platforms, out-of-home advertising, and emerging media formats.
It may also include creative media strategies, effective targeting and segmentation, the integration of data-driven insights, and campaigns that leverage new technologies like mobile apps, virtual reality, or creator partnerships. Additionally, work that showcases the creative and strategic use of media to address specific challenges or drive societal change is also eligible.
What’s the Jury looking for?
The work should be media led and demonstrate an effective use of this to engage audiences in unique and impactful ways, whether through traditional channels or emerging platforms. Work that shows a deep understanding of the target audience, utilising data-driven insights, precise targeting, and smart media planning to drive measurable results.
ET LE BUUUUUD | BUDWEISER | BETC, PARIS | BRONZE, MEDIA LIONS | 2024
The categories
A. Media: Sectors
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 D07. Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility category in section D. Culture & Context.
B. Channels
Work in these categories will be judged on media creativity and channel innovation. Work should unleash the media opportunities beyond existing formats to effectively communicate the brand message.
This includes but is not limited to TV, video-on-demand platforms (VODs), streaming platforms and other online service providers. Screens other than TV might include, but are not limited to, touchscreens, dynamic digital screens, interactive screens and responsive displays.
This includes but is not limited to radio, podcasts, social audio platforms and other audio technology.
The work in this category may include, but is not limited to, newspapers, magazines, inserts and trade journals, print work with digital and interactive elements such as downloadable applications, QR codes, AR and 3D printing.
Including traditional billboard or poster sites, bus shelters, wallscapes and transit advertising using standard advertising space.
Non-mail and print collateral, including small physical objects and all other hand-held (or equivalent in size) items. "
‘Small-scale' refers to the physical size of the ambient item, not the scale of the distribution.
Please send physical samples for the Jury to experience.
Non-traditional outdoor/billboards. This includes but is not limited to 3D and non-standard shaped sites, ticket barriers, signage, wallscape, digital billboards, window clings, building wrapping, helicopter banners and other executions that utilise a space or an existing permanent feature.
‘Large-scale' refers to the physical size of the ambient item or execution, not the scale of the distribution.
Work that uses stunts, events, event sponsorship, competitions, promotional games, street art, guerrilla marketing, launch parties, live shows, live streamed events, festivals, concerts, sporting events, etc. within traditional, digital and new emerging environments.
Online platforms or associated technologies and the harnessing of a digital environment in a media campaign. These might include, but are not limited to, websites, search engines, ecommerce platforms, banner ads, instant messaging, mobile apps, etc. Social-media-led campaigns should be entered in B10. Use of Social Platforms.
Mobile technology including smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth, SMS, MMS, WAP, GPS, mobile games and applications, etc.
Work that uses social media, vlogs, blogs, wikis, content-sharing sites, hosted services etc. to create and/or enhance relationships with a community/consumers. Insights gained through the strategic use of social data and associated targeting methods will also be considered.
Work entered in this category should be planned and executed on social platforms as opposed to campaigns that went social.
The creative and innovative use of influencers/creators to drive brand message and awareness to a specific audience and/or to drive business results.
Use of existing or new technology to execute or support a media campaign that creatively pushes the boundaries of existing platforms or media formats. This could include, but not be limited to, AI, AR, VR, XR, wearable tech and mobile devices, voice technology, blockchain technology, gamification, virtual worlds, the metaverse and all other emerging platforms. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
Brands that strategically harness retailer-owned channels (such as websites, apps and in-store displays) to engage consumers at crucial decision-making moments, using targeted insights to enhance brand relevance and drive measurable business outcomes.
C. Insights & Media Strategy
Work in these categories should demonstrate how insights and data contributed to the successful placement and media execution of content used to engage with consumers. The work will be judged on how successfully it demonstrates target-audience-related engagement.
Please note that the work in these categories will not be judged on the content itself, but the role of media in creating, leveraging and amplifying the content.
The use of audience insights and understanding of consumer behaviours or needs in order to develop a customised media strategy. The work in this category should demonstrate how these insights contributed to the effectiveness of the media campaign and generated real impact.
This includes but is not limited to product placement and branding in film, TV, miniseries, web series, music video, streaming services, sponsorship, etc.
The creative use or interpretation of data-driven effective targeting. The work should demonstrate how data either contributed to programmatic targeting or provided a key quantitative insight that helped define the target, brand message or channel.
This includes but is not limited to branded social media, websites, microsites, mobile applications, games, native advertising, etc.
The creative interpretation of data to demonstrate how different streams were integrated to provide new insights from planning through to delivery of a creative campaign or brand strategy.
The creation of a new and shared piece of IP by a brand or product in collaboration with its media partners to drive engagement and specific business results. The work should demonstrate how effective and mutually beneficial the unified working relationship was.
D. Culture & Context
Work that is brought to life through cultural insights and regional context.
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.
E. Excellence in Media Craft
Work that exhibits ingenuity and outstanding craftsmanship in harnessing media to deliver a brand message, change behaviour or engage consumers at scale.
The work in this section can only be submitted and paid for by Independent Media Agencies or companies owned by a Media Network or Independent Media Network. The same piece of work can be entered only once in each category within this section.
The use of unlocked insights and understanding of consumer behaviours/needs in order to develop a customised media strategy to meet a brand’s specific business objectives, marketing goals and overall positioning.
Sourcing and selection of media platforms to deliver a brand's message based on deep audience insight and creative use of media channels. The work should detail the reach, penetration and frequency of the message to generate the desired response.
The work should demonstrate how media thinking and skilful negotiations with media owners contributed to the execution of a campaign strategy across selected channels and achieved business goals. Consideration will be given to effective use of media channels as part of the brand storytelling and to the creative delivery.
Work that connects multiple brand touchpoints, successfully blurring the line between chosen media channels and demonstrating how the different mediums complement and build on each other to cut through and deliver results on clear brand objectives.
The work in this category must show that multiple types of media were used in the campaign (e.g. screens, social, outdoor, print, new realities).
The application of data and analytics to form the basis of a media strategy or drive insights that help define the target, brand message or channel. The work should provide evidence of research or insight, quality of thinking and the development of a strategy.
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?
The same piece of work can be entered up to four times in Media, not including section 'E: Excellence in Media Craft'.
Exceptions:
- The same piece of work may only be entered once in ‘A. Media: Sectors’.
- The work in Section E: Excellence in Media Craft can only be submitted and paid for by independent media agencies or companies owned by a media network or independent media network. The same piece of work can be entered only once in each category within this section.
LUX "THE END" | LUX | VML, SINGAPORE | BRONZE, MEDIA LIONS | 2024
Previous Winners
Handshake Hunt
Cannes Lions 2024 Grand Prix GUT São Paulo / Mercado Libre / 2024
E-commerce website Mercado Libre created an on-screen treasure hunt by turning TV programmes into ads. By embedding discounts directly into TV network Globo’s most-watched shows, the work achieved an 80% increase in sales.
HANDSHAKE HUNT | MERCADO LIBRE | GUT SÃO PAULO | GRAND PRIX, MEDIA LIONS | 2024
Why the work won
The Media Jury awarded this work the Grand Prix for its innovative use of audience participation, technology, and data. Jury President Prerna Mehrotra praised the work for its ability to cut through the noise and clutter typically associated with high-competition events like Black Friday, offering a fresh and effective solution that stood out in a crowded media landscape. She highlighted the campaign's clever reimagining of television – a medium that was thought to be in decline just a few years ago – demonstrating how traditional platforms can still offer tremendous value when approached creatively and with strategic insight.
The campaign’s success lay in its seamless integration of technology and data, empowering the audience to engage in a way that felt personalised and relevant, while still maintaining the broad reach and mass appeal of television.
HANDSHAKE HUNT | MERCADO LIBRE | GUT SÃO PAULO | GRAND PRIX, MEDIA LIONS | 2024
Inside the Jury Room: Media Lions
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% insight and idea; 30% media strategy and targeting; 20% media execution; 20% impact and 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 Media 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.
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.
- Over achieve 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.
Consider the following when describing the creative idea:
- Does the work cross boundaries/have the ability to think beyond conventional boundaries or categories?
- Does the work evoke surprise/have the power to continue captivating attention?
- Does the work transcend the original challenge?
- Does the work incorporate breakthrough thinking?
- Research and data gathering
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the strategy:
- Was the strategy based on consumer behaviour and/or cultural insight?
- Did the insight come from research and data?
- Did creativity play a key role in the interpretation of the business challenge?
- Was this piece of work relevant to the defined target audience?
- Does the work genuinely solve a real problem?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the execution:
- How effectively was the concept brought to life?
- What specific implementation strategies were employed to ensure success?
- Which media channels were utilised for placement, and were they optimal for reaching the target audience?
- How extensive was the scale of the execution in relation to the defined objectives?
- Did the execution adapt to any unexpected challenges or changes in the environment?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please refer back to the objectives selected when answering this question. Consider:
- performance against brand metrics (e.g. awareness, engagement)
- change in consumer behaviour (e.g. attitudes, frequency, penetration)
- indications of short-, medium- or long-term sales success (e.g. shareholder value, profit, revenue, ROI, sales, share)
- brand health improvement (e.g. consideration, preference)
- potential changes in government regulations or societal/economic events (e.g. changes in economic, political, social factors).
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
How is this work relevant to this channel?
The word limit for this section is 100 words.
This question is compulsory for Section B.
Describe the use of data, or how the data enhanced the work:
- data gathering and interpretation
- data insights and targeting
- data integration and impact.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for C03.
Describe the use of data, or how the data enhanced the work:
- data gathering and interpretation
- data insights and targeting
- data integration and impact.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for C05.
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 D01.
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 D02.
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 D03.
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 D04.
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 D05.
Budget Details
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 D06.
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 D07.
Please tell us how market disruption inspired the work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for D08.
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 D09.
BMW IJACK | BMW | SERVICEPLAN MIDDLE EAST, DUBAI | BRONZE, MEDIA LIONS | 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.
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