CannesLions Report 2024
Cannesisthefirststop,notthelastdestination.
WewenttoCannesandsawanexpandingfestival,butashrinkingof conventionalcategories.Wedebatedpurposevs.playfulnessandhackingthe marketing&commstoolbox.Mostimportantly,wewenttoCannestodistilla week’sworthofsessionsandcreativebestpracticedowntoactionableinsights andtrendsthatpushtheindustryforward. Hereisaglimpseofthisyear’strendingtalksandwinningwork.
isincreasingly abusiness imperative branddelegatesthanever MORE organizedactivities
MORE investorsandventurecapital
MORE dealsstruck
The price of predictability framed the creativeeffectiveness discussion this year.
“
Ineffect,paidmedia isthetaxyoupay forbeingboring.”
Jon
Evans, Chief Customer Officer at System1
(The)Work
Toknowthewinningworkisn’tenough,wemust understand why itsetsthebar.
Let’sstartbyaddressingtheelephantinthe room:AI
AI was present, but pivotal insights weren’t. The industry discussion and application of AI is still centered downstream, top-down. But take our word for it – that’s not where the untapped potential ofAI lies. Exceptions include brilliant work such as “WoMen’s Football” by Orange and Marcel.
People aren’t ruled by brands – they rule with them. Fan culture is starting to heavily influence brands and business models, many thanks to GenAI weaponizing them with Hollywood-grade production tools to make spin-offs, co-labs and bespoke products. Understanding how to leverage fandom for your brand is paramount.
The rise of GenAI blurs the lines between the original and the derivative. The legacy mindset has protected brand assets at all costs, but challenger brands are increasingly open sourcing the brand book for co-creation with communities. Playing around with the trademark was the winning mechanic behind some highly coveted Lions.
Entertainment
We’ve witnessed a shift in tone and voice in the industry driven by the social-commerce tsunami and creators shaping how brands communicate. But marketing is still largely divorced from the conversation and humor native to new-age audiences. Winning Grand Prix work broke new ground by leaning into coming-of-age surrealism and absurdism.
Are we seeing the final collapse between culture and commerce? Brands are starting studios to compete with the level of quality content that captures audiences’ attention. Treating marketing as a product worth paying for demands leading with entertainment value.
Fanculture
