Cannes Lions names three new 2026 Jury Presidents

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, taking place 22–26 June 2026, has announced three additional Jury Presidents for its 2026 Awards. The appointments highlight excellence across sport, film craft, and healthcare communications.

Shannon Washington, Pip Smart, and Tracey Brader will lead juries in the Entertainment Lions for Sport, Film Craft, and Pharma categories, respectively, guiding evaluation of creative work that demonstrates cultural impact, technical mastery, and behavioural influence.

Shannon Washington to lead Entertainment Lions for Sport

Shannon Washington, Chief Creative Officer and Managing Partner, 11 Ounces, Global, has been appointed Jury President for the Entertainment Lions for Sport. Known for shaping culturally resonant platforms and championing athlete-led storytelling, Washington will focus on work that demonstrates genuine cultural intelligence within sport.

Shannon Washington: "Being named Jury President for the Entertainment Lions for Sport is an honor I don't take lightly. Globally, sport is one of the last truly communal experiences we have, and the creative work that lives inside it has the power to shift culture, challenge assumptions, and move people in ways that transcend the game itself. In the Jury room, I'll be looking for campaigns that truly understand the game, the fan, the athlete, and the moment they exist in."

The 2026 festival marks the debut of LIONS Sport as a dedicated forum, raising the bar for creative work in sports communications.

Pip Smart to chair Film Craft Jury

Pip Smart, Executive Producer and Partner, Revolver, Australia, has been named Jury President for Film Craft. Recognised for cinematic excellence and innovation, Smart has overseen work celebrated across APAC and internationally, including a Palme d’Or at Cannes Lions.

Pip Smart: "To be invited by Cannes Lions to chair the Film Craft Jury is an enormous honour. To sit in a room with a carefully curated jury of peers as they see and debate work that truly represents the best in the world is something I'm proud to do. I'm continually inspired by the dedication and commitment to craft of our industry, and I feel it's never been more important to celebrate it."

Tracey Brader to head Pharma Jury

Tracey Brader, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Remedy Edge, UK, will preside over the Pharma category. Brader is known for blending science, strategy, and storytelling to deliver creative healthcare communications that change behaviour and improve outcomes.

Tracey Brader: "In an era of shifting sands, when budgets are ever-more challenging, when AI can replicate, when creative thinking needs to prove it drives value, Cannes Lions has never been more vital. Being asked to be Jury President for Pharma is an honour; an opportunity to celebrate and champion work that genuinely innovates, truly engages, and changes behaviour."

These appointments reflect Cannes Lions’ commitment to celebrating storytelling, craft, and impact across diverse creative disciplines, ensuring the festival remains a benchmark for global excellence in advertising and communications.

www.canneslions.com

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