Written by Kianna Best on Jun 16, 2025. Posted in Awards and Festivals

Cannes Lions 2025 Roars to Life

Cannes Lions 2025 kicks off with full creative force, lighting up the Croisette with the boldest ideas, biggest players, and most unforgettable conversations in the global marketing world. From Meta Beach to the Amazon Port and LBB Beach, innovation is breaking beyond Palais walls. Whether you are here to connect, create, or simply soak up the insight, this year’s fringe stages are setting a new standard for the industry’s future.

Image courtesy of Amy W by Unsplash

The French Riviera is buzzing again. Cannes Lions 2025 has officially arrived, and with it, the biggest minds in advertising, tech, media, and creativity are descending on the Croisette for a week of bold ideas and unforgettable connections. But while the Palais may be the official heart of the festival, the real pulse is found on the fringe, where brands like Amazon, Meta, and LBB are redefining what it means to show up, stand out, and spark conversation.

This morning at Amazon Port, the sky is the limit when it comes to what is possible in advertising. Executives from Mazda, Amazon Ads, Unilever, Versuni, McDonalds and OMD USA gather for a conversation meeting creative aspirations and experimentation in marketing. Familiar faces such as actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Jason and Travis Kelce, streamer Kai Cenat and NBA analyst Blake Griffin all engage in cross industry conversations.

LBB Beach kicked off their morning with an AI focus, as the relationship with the software finds itself solidified in the realities of many industries. No longer a fear stricken majority, the creative industry is finding ways that the technology works for them, and the partnership seems fortuitous. Creative Andy Bird steps up to the stage this afternoon to explore how AI is reshaping creative leadership, and brands explore how to advertise differently as AI agents are expected in the future.

As meta beach gears up for it first day of panels tomorrow, if past years are of any indication, the diversity of conversations and fireside chats are sure to draw in a massive crowd. From fashion to financing, the slate of speakers for the fringe hot spot bring background variety, by maintain a shared interest in innovating and pushing the boundaries of what it is to be in their respective fields.

The spirit of Cannes has always been about more than awards. Other buzzing beach side destinations include Pinterest Beach and Spotify Beach, with activations from the likes of Snapchat and TikTok to thrust the festival into the most current platforms of the modern day. If Day 1 is any indicator, this year’s festival is doubling down on future-forward creativity, borderless collaboration, and immersive brand storytelling. Whether you’re holding court at the Port or catching shade under a branded parasol, one thing’s clear;  Cannes Lions 2025 is officially in full roar.