Cannes, the beautiful city on the French Riviera, will again host its creative festival, the Cannes Lions, in 2025. Here is a selection of what’s hot this year.
It’s upon us again. This year, Cannes Lions is highlighting the explosive fusion of tech and creativity, with AI, immersive media, data ethics, and sustainability leading the charge.
It will take place over five days from June 16th to 20th, with cutting-edge speakers and activities permeating the program.
For those not attending live, a digital pass is available to purchase for €420.
Here are the key themes we think you’ll be interested in.
AI – creative accelerator and IP challenge
In 2025, AI is no longer a novelty – it’s embedded in creative workflows, from ideation to production.
Sessions here explore how to work with AI creatively while defending intellectual property from misuse.
Tech leaders are showing live demos and discussing tools to protect and empower creatives.
Notable sessions include:
* Get sh*t done live: where humans and AI collide
Thursday 19th June, 10:45-11:15, Terrace Stage
Rebecca Rowntree (Get Sh*t Done), Omar Karim, and Faris Yakob demonstrate real-time AI-powered creative ideation.
* Transforming creativity and unlocking brand agility with AI-powered video
Thursday 19th June, 13:45-14:15, Debussy Theatre
Sir Martin Sorrell (S4 Capital) and Linda Sheng (MiniMax) showcase AI video generation accelerating brand content creation.
* All aboard the ark: guarding creativity from the AI deluge
Friday 20th June, 15:15-15:45, The Forum
Kyungsin Kim and Hongtack Kim (Paulus) discuss safeguarding IP amidst AI-driven content challenges with tools like Ark.Works.
Immersive and video tech in storytelling
Streaming platforms and augmented / virtual reality labs are reshaping how we tell and consume stories.
Brands are investing in real-time, digitally enhanced experiences that blend physical and virtual realms.
These talks will show how creative agencies are prototyping new formats with tech at the center:
* Unlocking innovation in India through curiosity and creative tech
Wednesday 18th June, 16:45-17:15, The Forum
Gurbaksh Singh (Dentsu Creative) shares how creative tech labs ignite innovation from scratch.
* Song simplifies new realities: creativity at the intersection of culture and technology
Thursday 19th June, 15:30-16:00, Debussy Theatre
Nick Law (Accenture Song) explores how AI and new tools enable mixing physical and digital worlds in creative experiences.
* Disney streaming: the evolution of storytelling
Wednesday 18 June, 14:30-15:00, Debussy Theatre
Dana Walden (Disney) highlights how tech is revolutionizing content delivery and audience engagement.
Data ethics and brand control in the age of creators
In the frenzy of an ever-changing digital landscape, creator-led media is replacing traditional brand storytelling, often with less control and more chaos.
And as AI evolves exponentially, brands will strategize together at this year's conference.
Then, ethical data use and platform regulation are urgent issues for marketers and tech firms alike.
These talks explore how to regain narrative control while staying relevant and responsible.
* Are you losing control of your brand on social?
Friday 20th June, 13:45-14:15, Rotonde Stage
Crystal Malachias (McCann) and creators discuss navigating social media chaos and embracing creator-led narratives.
* The future of AI in marketing: ethics, privacy, and data
Thursday 19th June, 11:30-12:00, Debussy Theatre
Raja Rajamannar (Mastercard) and Vikram Viswanathan (Adobe) dive into responsible AI use and ethical data strategies.
Sustainability meets tech innovation
Richard Davis and John Osborn take center stage on digital tools helping brands meet sustainability goals without sacrificing creativity.
* Building brands that matter: sustainability and the creative future
Wednesday 18th June, 11:15-11:45, Debussy Theatre
Richard Davis (BBH) and John Osborn (Rothco) discuss digital innovations enabling sustainable creativity.
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