Impact FAQs

Yes, you can apply for more than one programme, but you will only be accepted onto one. We’d recommend that you go over the features of each programme and decide on the one that is best for you to apply for.

Your flights and accommodation will be covered by LIONS for the See It Be It Programme, LIONS Scholarship & Jodi Harris Scholarship. The ERA Programme only covers Festival entry and doesn’t include funding for travel or accommodation expenses.

No, this is a fully funded opportunity, you will not have to pay to apply for the programme.

Recipients of the Jodi Harris Scholarship and LIONS Scholarship will be offered an allowance to use during the week of the festival on food expenses. There is no financial aid available for the See It Be It programme.

Yes, all sessions within the programme are conducted in English.

You may be able to defer your acceptance to the following year in extenuating circumstances. This decision is at the discretion of the LIONS team.

Yes, there are a range of Festival passes available for purchase here. Each one gives you different access and opportunities, our pass picker can help you decide on the best pass for you.

Yes, you will receive a digital certificate at the end of your time on the programme.

After the programme, you’ll be encouraged to keep in contact with your cohort where you’ll be able to continue sharing resources, job opportunities and other learnings. The See It Be It programme will run a Digest roadshow in the months after the festival, for an opportunity to reflect on key takeaways from your experience.

Yes, if you’re not selected to be a part of a talent programme this year, we’d encourage you to reapply next year.

Unfortunately, you’re unable to bring a guest or family member with you to the programme. However, if you require additional support and need to bring an essential companion with you to the Festival, please contact us at talentprogrammes@canneslions.com.

You will have a dedicated programme tutor available to you during the programme who can assist with directions, queries and anything else you may need help with.

In 2024, LIONS introduced the Equity, Representation and Accessibility (ERA) Programme, allocating up to €1m worth of complimentary passes to foster a diverse and inclusive representation of talent within the creative communications industry at Cannes Lions. Each year, we commit to allocating a set amount of complimentary passes to support underrepresented and underserved communities at the Festival.

The ERA Programme is available to any organisation, community or individual that promotes diversity and inclusion within the creative industry. The ERA Programme has three application streams:

• Individuals (including carers/support workers if relevant) whose travel and accommodation are self-funded or fundraised (not company-funded).
• Grassroots / Community Organisations applying on behalf of their members.
• Registered Charities / NGOs applying to support the communities they serve.

Underrepresented and underserved communities, refer to communities and individuals who have been historically marginalised and excluded due to one or more elements of their personal identity. Underrepresented and underserved communities include, but are not limited to; Black People, Indigenous Peoples, People of Colour, LGBTQ+ Communities & People with Disabilities.

Successful applicants will receive all the access of a Classic pass to Cannes Lions 2026, which takes place from 22 to 26 June 2026.

The ERA Programme only covers Festival entry and doesn’t include funding for travel or accommodation expenses.

The ERA Programme does not include any funding or discounts for travel or accommodation costs. Successful applicants are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel and accommodations.

Apply for the ERA Programme by completing and submitting this form. You'll be asked questions relevant to your application  stream (individual, grassroots / community organisation, or charity).

Applications are reviewed by a committee using three criteria:

• Commitment to ERA values.
• Community engagement / industry contribution.
• Access barriers and intended impact.

Under the ERA Programme you can apply for our Classic, Student & Young Lion Pass:

• Our Young Lion pass is for delegates 30 and under (born on or after 26 June 1995). Proof of age will be required upon registering.
• Our Student pass is for students in full-time education under the age of 23 ((specifically, born on or after 26 June 2002). Proof of age and enrolment will be required upon registering.
• Our Classic Pass is for everyone.

All three passes offer the same Festival access. Check out our pass comparison table for the full benefits and access levels of each pass type.

Currently, Festival passes received through the ERA Programme cannot be upgraded to Gold or Platinum.

Absolutely, yes! We encourage you to apply again this year for the ERA Programme.

Yes. If you were a successful applicant of the ERA Programme in previous years you are welcome to apply again. However, priority will be given to applicants who have not previously been on the ERA Programme.

Each festival edition requires a new application to maintain an equitable process. Festival passes received through the ERA Programme are not transferable between years. In exceptional cases, we may consider deferrals.

Please contact ERA@canneslions.com.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application week commencing 16 February 2026.