The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has officially opened awards submissions for its 72nd edition and revealed its powerhouse line-up of Jury Presidents—marking another milestone for the world’s most prestigious celebration of creative excellence.
This year’s line-up features 30 global experts who will lead juries across categories spanning traditional media, cutting-edge tech, and transformative storytelling. Among the highlights: Ali Ali, co-founder of Good People Films, becomes the first Egyptian to preside over the Film Craft Lions jury. Meanwhile, Beth Keamy, Chief Digital Officer at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, steps in to lead the newly rebranded Social & Creator Lions (formerly Social & Influencer), reflecting the growing influence of creators in shaping today’s media and marketing landscape.
Another major shift in 2025 is the expanded mission of Glass: The Lion for Change, which celebrates its 10th anniversary by broadening its scope beyond gender equity to include work promoting social equity across race, sexuality, disability, and other underserved communities. KR Liu, Global Head of Disability Innovation at Google, will serve as Jury President.
“We are excited to welcome a diverse and forward-thinking group of leaders who understand the transformative power of creative excellence to drive business growth and impact,” said Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS. “Their incredible talent, combined with the commitment and leadership they bring to their roles, ensures the highest levels of integrity and rigor in the judging process.”
This year’s Jury Presidents bring bold perspectives across continents, disciplines, and industries. The list includes Jessica Walsh (Pictured above) of &Walsh (Design), Kate Stanners of Saatchi & Saatchi (Film), Sue Anderson of Roblox (Gaming), Jimmy Smith of Amusement Park (Sport), and Josy Paul of BBDO India (SDGs), among others.
Here are a few standout appointments:
- Audio & Radio Xolisa Dyeshana | Chief Creative Officer, Joe Public, Africa and Middle East
- Brand Experience & Activation Tara Ford | Chief Creative Officer, Droga5 ANZ and Accenture Song, APAC
- Creative B2B Wendy Walker | Vice President Marketing ASEAN, Salesforce, ASEAN
- Creative Business Transformation Jane Lin-Baden | CEO APAC, Member of the Global Management Committee, Publicis Groupe
- Creative Commerce Gabriel Schmitt | Global Chief Creative Officer, Grey, Global
- Creative Data Tina Allan | Global Chief Data and Intelligence Officer, FCB, Global
- Creative Effectiveness Andrea Diquez | Global CEO, GUT, Global
- Creative Strategy Pats McDonald | Global Chief Strategy Officer, Dentsu Creative, Global
- Design Jessica Walsh | Founder & Creative Director, &Walsh, USA
- Digital Craft Naoki Tanaka | Chief Creative Officer, Dentsu Lab, Dentsu, Global
- Direct Gaëtan du Peloux | President and Chief Creative Officer, Marcel, France
- Entertainment Lions David Rolfe | Global Head of Production, WPP / Hogarth, Global
- Entertainment Lions for Gaming Sue Anderson | Vice President, Creative, Roblox, USA
- Entertainment Lions for Music Seiya Matsumiya | CEO and Co-Founder, Black Cat White Cat Music, Global
- Entertainment Lions for Sport Jimmy Smith | Chairman, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Amusement Park Entertainment, USA
- Film Kate Stanners | Chairwoman and Global Chief Creative Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi, Global
- Film Craft Ali Ali | Co-Founder and Film Director, Good People Films, Egypt
- Glass: The Lion for Change KR Liu | Global Head of Disability Innovation, Google, Global
- Health & Wellness Eric Weisberg | Global Chief Creative Officer, Havas Health Network, Global
- Industry Craft Matthias Spaetgens | Chief Creative Officer, Scholz & Friends, Germany, Austria and Switzerland
- Innovation Courtney Brown Warren | Chief Marketing Officer, Kickstarter, Global
- Luxury Mathilde Delhoume Debreu | Global Brand Officer, LVMH, Global
- Media Dan Clays | CEO, Omnicom Media Group, EMEA
- Outdoor Keka Morelle | Chief Creative Officer LATAM, Ogilvy, LATAM
- Pharma Franklin Williams | EVP, Executive Experience Director, AREA 23, an IPG Health company, USA
- PR Tom Beckman | Global Chief Creative Officer, Weber Shandwick, Global
- Print & Publishing Icaro Doria | President and Chief Creative Officer, DM9, Brazil
- Social & Creator Beth Keamy | Chief Digital Officer, TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Global
- Sustainable Development Goals Josy Paul | Chairperson and Chief Creative Officer, BBDO, India
- Dan Wieden Titanium Lions Judy John | Global Chief Creative Officer, Edelman, Global
Submissions for Cannes Lions 2025 are open through April 10, 2025, with the festival set to take place in Cannes, France from June 16–20. This year promises a deepened commitment to creativity with purpose, diversity in representation, and pushing boundaries across platforms.
The festival runs June 16–20 in Cannes, France. For entry kits, passes, and information on opportunities and academies, visit www.canneslions.com.
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