GLOBAL – JUNE 1, 2011 – A total of 28,828 entries from 90 countries have been submitted to the Cannes Lions 58th International Festival of Creativity, the world’s largest and most prestigious international annual awards for creative advertising and communications. This is the highest level of entries ever in the history of the Festival.
An overall increase of 19% versus last year, entries have been submitted in 13 different categories: Cyber, Design, Direct, Film, Film Craft, Media, Outdoor, PR, Press, Promo & Activation, Radio, Titanium & Integrated and the new Creative Effectiveness Lions.
"As a global event, Cannes Lions reflects the advertising and communications industry around the world,” says Philip Thomas, Festival CEO. "The record entries show that the industry is bouncing back from the financial crisis. Entry numbers from emerging countries are significantly up, and Asia has a strong presence this year with large increases especially from Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Malaysia and Singapore."
He continues, "We’ve also seen a significant increase in entries from Latin America, especially Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Chile and the Central American nations. Russia has more than doubled, and there is growing confidence in the Middle East, despite its current problems, with many more entries from Bahrain, Lebanon, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The USA remains the top participating country, followed by Brazil, Germany, the UK and France.”
“Having spoken to many agencies and clients over the last year, there is no doubt that creativity is becoming a critical business driver for many organizations. "I’m sure that once again the winners at Cannes will point the way forward for what creativity in communications can achieve.”
All categories are up, with the highest gainers from Design (37%), Direct (29%), Media (34%), PR (43%) and Promo and Activation (33%) versus 2010 numbers.
All entries can be viewed in the Palais des Festivals in Cannes during the Festival week. Delegates will also be able to watch the videos of all shortlisted entries across all categories. To register to attend the Festival, please go to www.canneslions.com.
