Entries for the 2025 edition of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity have increased by .5% to reach 26,900.

The independent agencies have seen an 18% increase. 

The Design Lions experienced a 17% increase in submissions. Creative B2B also saw growth, with entries up 13%, while the Entertainment Lions for Sport rose by 15%.

Glass: The Lion for Change saw a 53% increase in submissions.

Simon Cook, CEO, Lions, said, “We know that world-class creativity can come from anywhere. For business leaders seeking growth opportunities, the global benchmark provides a unique insight into creativity’s power as a catalyst for meaningful transformation and growth. With submissions from across 96 markets – and significant regional growth from LATAM – we look forward to seeing the breadth of groundbreaking ideas from across the world. We’re excited to see the winning body of work that emerges over the next week as our Juries set the benchmark that will define the future direction for our industry.”

Marian Brannelly, global director - awards, Lions, added, “The submissions this year reveal a shift in how creativity is being harnessed for meaningful change for both business and society. We’re seeing record growth in categories that demand measurable impact, whether that’s through design thinking that transforms user experiences or strategic approaches that deliver tangible business outcomes. Overall, the data shows an industry that continues to evolve and embrace new opportunities to drive impact, with strong engagement with creator-focused submissions and the growth of independent agency participation, representing an industry embracing new models of impact, innovation and transformation.”