Cannes Lions 2026: fewer entrants, a louder AI debate, and a small Saudi haul.
Entries fell by a quarter and the debate moved from whether to use AI to how. Saudi entries came home with three Lions.
By Balaconah · Sep 20, 2026
Cannes Lions 2026 had fewer entrants, a sharper conversation about AI and a light Saudi result. Balaconah's festival summary says entries fell 25%, partly because of stricter standards. Many people read the drop as a healthy sign.
The AI talk has also moved on. The question is no longer whether to use it, but how to fold it into daily work. Scott Galloway put the number of creators there at 500, up from 400 the year before, and the article treats them as strategic partners for brands.
Winners that stood out
- Titanium: Suncorp's "Haven", made by Leo Australia
- Grand Prix for Good: "600K Network" for Comando Con Venezuela, by Rainbow Lobster and Comando Con Venezuela
- Design: Apple TV's identity, by TBWA\Media Arts Lab
- Outdoor: "Field Barcode" for Mercado Livre, by GUT
- Creative B2B: SKF's "The Faroe Islands Space Program", by NORD
The Saudi and regional picture
Saudi entries won three Lions, according to Campaign Middle East, down from more than ten in 2025. Saudia's "Let It Fly" took silver in Outdoor and bronze in Direct, and BigTime Creative Shop's "The Ring: The Legacy Continues" took silver in Film Craft.
The wider region won 20 awards, six silver and 14 bronze. FP7 McCANN MENAT took ten of them and the MENA Network of the Year title.
Source: Balaconah, Cannes Lions 2026 summary. Read the original.