The Cannes Lions organization has announced several changes to next year’s awards, including the introduction of the Creative Brand Lion. 

Also new: the entry rules for the Creative Data Lion have been revised. Entries must now show “how data was essential to both the core idea and its measurable business impact,” according to the organization. 

New subcategories of Lions are also being introduced, including AI Craft subcategories that will recognize work where “human creativity and artificial intelligence come together to create ideas that neither could achieve alone,” per the organization. “The focus is on recognizing genuine craft, artistry and intent, where AI works in service of the idea.” 

And given the rapid growth of retail media, new subcategories have been introduced into the Creative Strategy and Creative Data Lions to “reflect the breadth of innovation happening in the space.” 

Commenting on the new Creative Brand Lion, Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, stated, “For 70 years, we’ve recognized the work and creative outputs that drive demand for brands all around the world. But in 2026, we’re asking a different question: what are the inputs that make those breakthrough ideas possible in the first place? The Lion will recognize the visionary brands that are building the systems, cultures and capabilities that make world-class creative marketing inevitable and repeatable – and the practices that transform creative potential into lasting business impact.” 

Next year’s Festival runs from June 22-26. Awards submissions open on Jan. 15. 

This year’s awards were marred by several instances where winners were found to have violated rules (particularly around the use of uncredited AI), their entries withdrawn, and the statues taken back. 

The Lions has issued a new Integrity Standards Handbook that can be downloaded here.