Film Lions
The Film Lions celebrate the creativity of the moving image.
Introduction

The history of the Film Lions
The Film Lions are one of the most prestigious and enduring Awards at Cannes Lions, celebrating creativity in visual storytelling through the medium of film. Introduced as the only award at the Festival's inception in 1954, the Film Lions were created to honour excellence in cinematic advertising, recognising commercials that captivate audiences with compelling narratives, exceptional craft, and innovative techniques.
Over the decades, the award has evolved to reflect changes in the industry, expanding beyond traditional television spots to include digital films, branded content, and innovative video formats. The Film Lions remain a benchmark for outstanding storytelling, honouring work that not only entertains but also connects deeply with audiences, leaving a lasting impression and driving brand impact.
As branded communications has shifted to new platforms, the Film Lions continue to celebrate the enduring power of the moving image to tell stories that resonate across cultures and generations.
Guidelines to Entering

What kind of work can be entered?
Eligible work includes television commercials (TVCs), cinema, online and viral films, videos for events and other screens. It can also include innovative formats like interactive and immersive videos, 360° video, VR films, and microfilms (e.g., Instagram/Snap).
Please note that two Grands Prix are always selected for the Film Lions: one from Section A: TV/Cinema Film: Sectors and one from Sections B-F.
What are 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.
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 as long as the categories chosen are relevant.
Exceptions:
- The same piece of work may only be entered once into section ‘A. TV/Cinema Film: Sectors’ and once into section 'B. Online Film: Sectors'.
- In sections A, B, C and D each execution constitutes one entry. In Sections E and F multiple executions may be entered as one entry.
- 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 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?
Exceptional execution paired with a powerful creative concept that aligns seamlessly with the brand. Work must showcase outstanding brand storytelling crafted specifically for the screen—whether for TV, cinema, online platforms, or out-of-home experiences.
- A strong insight, impressive execution and tangible results that link to the objective
- Considered craft (viral film, microfilm, screens/events, 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
The Categories

A. TV/Cinema Film: Sectors
Films that aired on TV or in cinemas. All films must be 180 seconds or fewer. The same entry can be submitted only once in this section.
B. Online Film: Sectors
Films that aired online, including pre-roll adverts. The same entry can be submitted only once in this section.
D. Screens & Events
Films that aired on screens other than TV, cinema or online.
E. Innovation in Film
Innovative use of the film medium to communicate a brand’s message.
If you’re submitting a series of films, please upload all executions in a single video file with slates denoting the start of the next execution.
F. Culture & Context
Work that is brought to life through cultural insights and regional context.
If you're submitting a series of films, please upload all executions in a single video file with slates denoting the start of the next execution.
The Written Submission

Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.
To start your entry to the Film 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.

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