Cannes Lions Announces Changes to Cyber Lions

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has today announced significant changes that will be made to the Cyber Lions category ahead of the 2014 awards, in line with current digital trends.

Three new sub categories; Social, Branded Technology and Branded Games, have been introduced to better reflect the industry and in turn spark a renaissance of the Cyber Lions category. Social will reward focused executions with social thinking at the core of the work. The jury will consider levels of engagement, social reach and the creative use of social networks and activity to successful commercial effect. Branded Technology will honour executions that utilise or harness technology in order to enhance or complement the brand, and Branded Games will recognise creative executions that have been specifically produced for a client in order to enhance overall brand experience.

Speaking about the changes to Cyber Lions, industry professionals say:

“At a time when the nature of digital marketing and advertising is changing by the day, the minute, the second, Cyber Lions are not playing catch-up, but leading the charge in modern awards categories.”

Flo Heiss, Founder, Studio Heiss (2013 Cyber Lions Jury)

“It's clear, comprehensive and definitely sets the Cyber Lions apart not only for Cannes, but against other award shows.”

Clarence Chiew, Creative Director, Iris

“Both the breadth and specificity of the new Cyber Lions are equally impressive, and feel like a true reflection of the range of great creative work being done around the world.”

Jae Goodman, Co-Chief Creative Officer and Co-Head, CAA Marketing.

“Cannes Lions is introducing a newly revamped Cyber Lions category and it shows how vibrant Cyber is in our industry. I'm convinced that this is where the next big thing will come from.” 

Rei Inamoto, Chief Creative Officer, AKQA

Further endorsements have been captured in a video that pulls together some of the current industry leaders’ thoughts on the direction of Cyber Lions. The video is now online and available to view below.

Commenting on the changes, Philip Thomas, CEO of Lions Festivals says, “The Cyber Lions have seen many changes since their launch back in 1998. More recently, with the ever-changing digital landscape and the introduction of the Mobile Lions category in 2012, it has become increasingly important to revise the structure and purpose of the category. We thank the many industry leaders who have helped shape the new-look Cyber Lions, and adapt them to the ever-changing world of creative communications.”

Other changes that have been made across the entire Cyber Lions category include the revamp of Cyber Craft. Further information on Cyber Lions including details of all sub-categories and rules are now available on the website http://www.canneslions.com/cyber/.

Entries for the 61st Cannes Lions Awards open on 23 January 2014. Entry kits, information on rates and a breakdown of the rules across all 17 categories can be found online at www.canneslions.com.