As we launch the 2026 Cannes Young Lions as a more expansive professional development experience, we gathered past winners and senior industry leaders to share honest advice on how to approach the competition weekend.
With 7 categories across Film, Media, PR, Design, Print, Digital and Young Marketers, and 1 live client brief, the national competition remains an intense, exhilarating sprint.
One word came up again and again: mull. Emma stressed the importance of letting ideas sit. Mark encouraged competitors to let their minds wander and properly explore a thought before committing to it. Sinead advised to not go near your board until you’re clear on what you’re going to do.
