Cannes Lions 2023 Sees 6% Increase In Entries

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity saw an increase of 6 per cent in entries for the 2023 awards. The total number of entries received for this year is 26,993.  

All the submissions are going to contending for the title of being a worldwide benchmark for excellence in creativity and effectiveness for the coming year.

Commenting on the entries received this year, Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, stated, “The shifts in the work that’s been entered provides us with a powerful insight into the industry landscape and the emerging trends. A high increase in submissions made directly from consumer product brand companies demonstrates the value being placed on creativity that drives business. The strong engagement across a breadth of Lions including emerging areas like B2B, Gaming, Commerce, and Business Transformation - shows us that there is a growing confidence and investment in non-traditional channels. Over the next week, our Juries will curate a body of Lion-worthy work and set the global benchmark that will propel us into the year ahead, supporting those using creativity to drive progress.”

The Entertainment Lions for Gaming received 609 nominations in its first year, illustrating the increased partnership between brands and the emerging gaming industry.

Philip Thomas, Chairman, LIONS, stated, “The number of submissions received in its first year shows a really strong engagement with the Gaming Lion and is testament to the relevance and opportunity that Gaming now holds within the creative marketing community. We’re excited to see the body of work that emerges from this Lion, and I’d like to thank the Jury in advance for setting the very first benchmark in creativity in Gaming and showing what is possible in this hugely exciting area.”

This year, there has been an increase in the engagement of Lions such as Brand Experience & Activation Lions experienced a rise of 16 per cent in engagement in comparison to 2022, demonstrating brands' greater attention on enhancing customer experience and brand building. The number of Creative Strategy Lions has also climbed by 35 per cent, honouring the use of creative solutions that enable brands to achieve sustainable growth and effectively assess impact. The Creative Business Transformation Lions have also witnessed a 59 per cent growth in its third year, highlighting how creativity is a driving force behind successful organisations changing.

Moreover, the Creative Commerce Lions have climbed by 25 per cent year on year, indicating a high level of innovation in creative customer journeys and paths to purchase. Outdoor Lions too had an increase of 7 per cent in submissions, spurred in part by the FMCG industry, whose entries increased by a 30per cent year on year, and the tourism sector, which witnessed an increase of 84 per cent year on year. Furthermore, the Entertainment Lions recognised branded content and culture, seeing an increase of 18 per cent year on year, with a 78 per cent increase in submissions from the consumer services industry.

Glass: The Lion for Change has witnessed an increase of 30 per cent year on year, as have the Innovation Lions, for which shortlists have been issued and will be announced between June 18 to June 21.

The Lions winners will be announced at the Award Shows, which will be place every evening from June 19 through June 23, 2023.