Film Craft Lions

The Film Craft Lions celebrate on-screen artistry.

Introduction

The history of the Film Craft Lions

The Film Craft Lions were launched in 2010 to celebrate the skill and artistry involved in the various elements of the filmmaking process. They provide a space for entries to be judged and recognised based on the excellence of a specific aspect of the film's production, whether it be direction, cinematography, editing, or other craft disciplines.

Since their introduction, the Film Craft Lions have grown significantly, evolving alongside the expanding complexity of the production and postproduction process, highlighting the impact of craftsmanship in all areas of filmmaking.

For 2026, we have added the AI craft subcategory to recognise the craft and artistry of work that couldn’t exist without AI but doesn’t just use it as a tool.

Guidelines to Entering

What kind of work can be entered?

Eligible work may include outstanding achievements in areas such as direction, cinematography, editing, sound design, visual effects, animation, and use of music.

The Lion celebrates individual elements of a film's creation, from the smallest detail to the most complex production and post production aspects, ensuring that every facet of filmmaking, from concept to execution, is honoured.

What are the judging criteria?

The main criterion considered during judging will be the execution.

Eligibility

Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 06 February 2025 - 09 April 2026.

All Film executions must have run within the eligibility period.

Is there a limit to how many times I can enter?

There is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Film Craft.

Each execution constitutes one entry.

Exception:

  • Multiple microfilm executions can be entered as one entry up to a maximum of 60 seconds. Each microfilm should be a maximum of 15 seconds in length, and all entries 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?

Technical excellence that enhances the storytelling and emotional impact of the film. Originality, precision, and attention to detail, with every element contributing to the overall narrative and audience experience.

  • A strong insight and impressive execution
  • Considered craft (direction, script, casting, animation, visual effects, 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: Film Craft Lions

To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.

The Categories

A. Production

FIGHT FOR THAIS' GUT | DUTCHIE | OGILVY, BANGKOK | BRONZE LION, FILM CRAFT LIONS | 2025

B. Post-Production

TELSTRA - BETTER ON A BETTER NETWORK | TELSTRA | BEAR MEETS EAGLE ON FIRE, SYDNEY | GRAND PRIX, FILM CRAFT LIONS | 2025

The Written Submission

Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.

To start your entry to the Film Craft 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

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.

Information and advice on how to enter

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