Audio & Radio Lions
The Audio & Radio Lions celebrate creativity that’s wired for sound – work that communicates a brand message through audio excellence, sonic innovation or superior aural storytelling across the airwaves and digital streams.
Introduction

The history of the Audio & Radio Lions
The Radio Lions were established in 2005 to celebrate creative advertising for radio.
In 2018, they evolved into the Radio & Audio Lions to encompass the growing number of audio mediums.
Now in their third iteration, the Audio & Radio Lions have evolved from their traditional radio roots to celebrate the growing range of audio platforms.
Guidelines to Entering

What kind of work can be entered?
Audio content, traditional radio ads, podcasts, original compositions or adaptations of existing songs, audio script or innovative use of the airwaves.
What is the judging criteria?
The main criteria considered during judging will be the idea, the execution and the impact.
Eligibility
Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 06 February 2025 - 09 April 2026.
Is there a limit to how many times I can enter?
There’s no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Audio & Radio as long as the categories chosen are relevant.
Exceptions:
- The same piece of work may only be entered once in ‘D. Audio & Radio: Sectors’.
- In sections B and D each execution constitutes one entry and all executions must have run within the eligibility period.
- In sections A and C multiple executions may be entered as one entry. However all audio & radio executions must have run within the eligibility period.
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 be required provide proof of impact, supported by verifiable evidence, this information will not be shared with the Jury, but will be used to verify claims made in your entry materials. You'll also be required to provide details of a senior executive from both the brand and the entrant company (CEO, CMO or equivalent) who can formally approve the submission.
Optional supporting materials to provide additional context with your entry can also be uploaded.
Subtitles are highly recommended on all case films, films, demo films and original content.
Detailed information outlining the entry process can be found on our Guide to the Cannes Lions Awards.
More information on the rules for entry can be found on the Summary of Key Rules for Entering and the handbook for our new Integrity Standards can be found on the Integrity Standards.
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”.
Entry Tips

What’s the Jury looking for?
Work that’s brought to life through sound. Creative ideas that communicate a brand message through audio excellence, sonic innovation and superior aural storytelling.
- A strong insight, impressive execution and real results that link back to the objective
- Considered craft (scripting, audio production, use of music, etc.)
Tips from the Jury
- Determine the most impressive part of your campaign and find a category that showcases it
- Provide tangible results that demonstrate impact
- Remember the Jury are from all over the world, so provide context throughout your entry to ensure they understand the significance of your results and the relevance of your insight
- The Jury look at hundreds of pieces of work, use storytelling in the written submission and case film to help your work stand out
Inside the Jury Room: Audio & Radio Lions
To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.
The Categories

A. Innovation in Audio & Radio
Innovative use of the audio medium to communicate a brand’s message. Work that enhances and reinvigorates the consumers’ experience by allowing them to engage with and respond to the audio content.

NAME THIS OREO | OREO | VML, NEW YORK | GOLD, AUDIO & RADIO LIONS | 2025
A01. Use of Audio & Radio as a Medium
A02. Use of Audio & Radio Technology
A03. Voice Activation
A04. Branded Content/Podcasts
A05. Content Placement
A06. Audio-Led Creativity
B. Excellence in Audio & Radio
OKRRR | HANSA PILSENER | JOE PUBLIC, JOHANNESBURG| BRONZE LION CAMPAIGN, LIONS | 2025
B01. Use of Music
B02. Sound Design
B03. Script
B04. Casting & Performance
C. Culture & Context
Audio work that is brought to life through cultural insights and regional context.
If you're submitting more than one execution please upload all executions in a single file with a gap to denote each new execution.
THE SECOND RELEASE| BILLBOARD ARABIA | SRMG LABS, RIYADH | GOLD, AUDIO & RADIO LIONS | 2025
C01. Local Brand
C02. Challenger Brand
C03. Single-Market Campaign
C04, Social Behaviour
C05. Use of Humour
C06. Breakthrough on a Budget
C07. Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility
C08. Market Disruption
C09. Cultural Engagement NEW
D. Audio & Radio: Sectors
The same entry can be submitted only once in this section.

THE 26TH MINUTE | DUBLIN SAMARITANS | DROGA5, PART OF ACCENTURE SONG, DUBLIN | SHORTLIST, AUDIO & RADIO LIONS | 2025
D01. Consumer Goods
D02. Healthcare
D03. Automotive
D04. Travel, Leisure, Retail, Restaurants & Fast-Food Chains
D05. Media/Entertainment
D06. Consumer Services/Business to Business
D07. Not-for-Profit / Charity / Government
The Written Submission

Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.
To start your entry to the Audio & Radio 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
1. Why is this work relevant for Audio & Radio?
2. Audio medium
3. Brand context
4. Objective(s)
5. Summary of the work
6. Translation
7. Describe the impact
Was Artificial Intelligence (AI) used in the work or the entry materials?
Sustainability Context
Equity, Representation and Accessibility (if appropriate)
Confidential information for the Jury
Category Specific Questions
Section A. Innovation in Audio & Radio
B01. Use of Music
B02. Sound Design
B03. Script
B04. Casting & Performance
C01. Local Brand
C02. Challenger Brand
C03. Single-Market Campaign
C04. Social Behaviour
C05. Use of Humour
C06. Breakthrough on a Budget
C07. Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility
C08. Market Disruption
C09. Cultural Engagement
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 2026
- 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