Entertainment Lions for Music
The Entertainment Lions for Music celebrate creative musical collaborations and branded music content.
Introduction

The history of the Entertainment Lions for Music
The Entertainment Lions for Music were the first specialist discipline to branch out of the original Entertainment Lions, marking a significant expansion to the Awards’ scope. Launched in 2016, this Lion was introduced to celebrate the long-established and ever-evolving role of music in creative campaigns, acknowledging how it has become an integral part of storytelling across various media.
The Entertainment Lions for Music celebrate work that uses music not only as a tool for emotional connection and brand storytelling but also as a central element of the content’s creative production, promotion, and distribution. It recognises work where music plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall narrative and audience engagement, whether through original compositions, strategic licensing or innovative collaborations.
Guidelines to Entering

What kind of work can be entered?
Eligible work may include original compositions, licensed tracks, or remixes that elevate the narrative of branded content, advertisements, or campaigns. This Lion also recognises collaborations between brands and artists, such as bespoke music videos, live performances, or innovative partnerships that create a unique cultural connection.
Additionally, work leveraging music to drive social impact, launch new products, or engage communities through interactive or immersive experiences are welcomed.
Brands refers to talent, artists, creators, influencers, organisations, sponsors, platforms, media owners, rights holders or any entity that produces and distributes products and content related to the music industry.
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 the Entertainment Lions for Music as long as the categories chosen are relevant.
What are the judging criteria?
A number of criteria will be considered during judging, weighted as follows: 30% creative idea; 20% strategy & insight; 30% craft & execution; 20% results.
Eligibility
Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 06 February 2025 - 09 April 2026.
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.
Subtitles are highly recommended on all case films, films, demo films and original content.
Detailed information outlining the entry process can be found on A 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?
Innovative uses of music that elevate storytelling, evoke powerful emotions, and forge strong connections with audiences. The Jury look for originality, cultural relevance and authenticity, as well as the strategic integration of music to achieve measurable results.
- A strong insight, impressive execution and real results that link back to the objective
- Considered craft (music videos, live experiences, original composition, 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: Entertainment Lions for Music
To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.
The Categories

A. Branded Content for Music
Creative music content to promote a track, album, artist or brand.
B. Music-Led Brand Experience
Meaningful, engaging experiences and activations created to attract or maintain an audience.
C. Community
Work that focuses on the development, maintenance and nurturing of a community or fanbase.
D. Partnerships
Exceptional strategic partnerships between brands and music entities.
E. Challenges & Breakthroughs
Creative and innovative work that is brought to life through deep cultural insight, regional context and progressive thinking.
The Written Submission

Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.
To start your entry to the Entertainment Lions for Music, 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
Category Specific Questions
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