Lions Entertainment is the two-day specialist event, taking place during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Running during Cannes Lions, from 21-22 June 2017, it is about the future of the entertainment industry, bringing everyone from record label execs to influencers and sports promoters together to connect with the world’s biggest brands, and hear from inspirational speakers, witness new trends and experience live performances from global talent.

Lions Awards

Two Lions awards shine the spotlight on captivating content that turns consumers into fans.

Olivier Robert-Murphy, Entertainment Lions for Music Jury president

The Entertainment Lions for Music honour original production, promotion or distribution of music for brands where a recording artist or platform is used to communicate with consumers. Robert-Murphy commented, “It is an honour to return to Cannes Lions, as president. I am excited to explore and celebrate with my jury members, how today’s brands, creators and filmmakers are using music at the heart of their storytelling to shape, innovate, influence and entertain audiences around the world.”

PJ Pereira, Entertainment Lions Jury president

The Entertainment Lions highlight work that elevates branded content into the cultural mainstream, communicating a brand message or connecting with consumers in a new way. Pereira said, “Agencies have to provide a return on the money brands are investing but also the time consumers are spending with the work. That balance is the ultimate challenge the industry faces today, and that is what the Entertainment Lions Jury will be looking for.”

Louise Benson, executive festival director of Lions Entertainment, added, “We could not be more delighted to welcome such skilled presidents to take the helm this year. This is one of the most exciting periods in entertainment history. Brands and entertainment are running in parallel, united by one aim: to grab attention. Great storytelling is vital and the need to be the consumers’ destination – not their distraction – is greater than ever. That is what Lions Entertainment is all about. We cannot wait to show our attendees what is in store.”

Content themes

This year’s content themes at Lions Entertainment are:

• Brands as broadcasters, talent as rights holders and distributors as content creators – showcasing opportunities in this ever-changing landscape and learning from the experts;
• Winning the attention war – revealing how entertainment models might work in an era of infinite choice;
• Funding the way forward – defining new business and creative models powering entertainment, from creation to distribution;

• Raising the bar – enhancing entertainment experiences to win fans and shape cultural conversations.

Shortlisted entries for the Entertainment Lions and the Entertainment Lions for Music will be announced and showcased during the Festival and the winners revealed at the Awards ceremony on 21 June 2017.