Industry Craft Lions
The Industry Craft Lions celebrate the creative artistry, talent and skill required to deliver a beautifully executed solution and bring a creative idea to life.
Introduction

The history of the Industry Craft Lions
The Industry Craft Lions were created in 2018 to celebrate the craft behind creative disciplines like Design, Print & Publishing and Outdoor. This Lion highlights the importance of craftsmanship in bringing creative ideas to life.
Categories dedicated to typography, art direction, illustration, photography and copywriting showcase the different ways in which craft and creativity intersect to engage with audiences.
Since its inception, the Industry Craft Lions has grown in significance, acknowledging how technical expertise plays a crucial role in shaping campaigns that resonate with audiences.
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?
This Lion recognises a diverse range of work for its creativity and technical execution, including typography, art direction, illustration, photography and copywriting.
This may include outstanding art direction and design, with exceptional use of layout, composition, colour and visual design. Creative uses of illustration or photography to visually communicate ideas, whether through still photography, illustrated campaigns, or bespoke artwork. High-quality execution in printed materials such as brochures, posters, and books is also celebrated, with an emphasis on precision in production, from paper quality to finishing techniques. Additionally, work which exemplifies craft in outdoor and spatial design, focusing on the creative execution of physical installations, displays, or experiential designs as well as exceptional use of typography, whether custom-made or expertly applied, is also eligible.
What are the judging criteria?
The main criterion considered during judging will be the execution.
__Digital only work should be entered into digital craft and will not be eligible for Industry Craft. __
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 is no overall limit to how many times the same piece of work can be entered into Industry Craft.
For Standard Print & Publishing and Outdoor entries, each execution constitutes one entry.
Exceptions:
- Single executions of Packaging, Print & Publishing and Outdoor should only be entered into the relevant category. However if they form part of a wider campaign, they will be accepted into 'F01. Brand & Communications Design' and 'G01. AI Craft'.
- For Standard Print & Publishing and Outdoor entries, each execution constitutes one entry.
- For Adapted Print, Brand & Communications Design, Outdoor: Ambient and Packaging entries, whole campaigns should be entered as one entry.
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?
Work that demonstrates exceptional artistry and technical skill in its execution. 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 (illustration, photography, typography, 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: Industry Craft Lions
To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.
The Categories

A. Typography
Digital-only work should be entered into digital craft and will not be eligible here.
B. Art Direction
Digital-only work should be entered into digital craft and will not be eligible here.
C. Illustration
Digital-only work should be entered into digital craft and will not be eligible here.
D. Photography
Digital-only work should be entered into digital craft and will not be eligible here.
E. Copywriting
Digital-only work should be entered into digital craft and will not be eligible here.
F. Brand & Communications Design
Digital-only work should be entered into digital craft and will not be eligible here.
G. Technology Craft
Digital-only work should be entered into digital craft and will not be eligible here.
The Written Submission

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

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