India is commanding global attention once again at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, with an impressive 42 shortlists across categories spanning design, media, entertainment, and engagement. From immersive brand storytelling in gaming and music to breakthrough campaigns in PR, direct, and craft, Indian agencies are delivering work that is bold, culturally rooted, and globally resonant. This strong showing reflects not only the depth of creative talent in the country but also its growing influence on the world stage of advertising and digital innovation.
In the Entertainment Lions for Gaming, India picked up 3 shortlists, all courtesy of DDB Mudra for Battlegrounds Mobile India. The agency’s entries were applauded for immersive storytelling and seamless brand integration—highlighting India’s growing role in the dynamic world of gaming and interactive entertainment.
India also earned 3 shortlists in the Entertainment Lions for Music, with campaigns that creatively fused sound, culture, and strategic messaging. In the Entertainment Lions for Sport, 3 Indian entries were recognized, celebrating inspiring stories of athleticism, emotion, and community.
India had a strong showing in the Media Lions, earning 9 shortlists, followed by 7 shortlists in the PR Lions category. From media innovations to social impact campaigns and cultural storytelling, Indian agencies demonstrated versatility and strategic creativity across both earned and paid media.
In the Direct Lions (Engagement) category, India secured 5 shortlists, showcasing work that drove participation and action. In the Social & Influencer Lions, 3 shortlists celebrated creator-driven campaigns that successfully tapped into digital culture and humor.
India also made its mark in the Craft categories, with 5 shortlists in Design, 3 in Film Craft, and 1 in Industry Craft—affirming a growing emphasis on high production value, behavioral insight, and artistic execution. Notably, no Indian entries were shortlisted in Digital Craft.
Breakdown of India’s Shortlists (So Far)
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Design: 5
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Digital Craft: 0
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Direct: 5
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Entertainment Lions for Gaming: 3
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Entertainment Lions for Music: 3
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Entertainment Lions for Sport: 3
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Film Craft: 3
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Industry Craft: 1
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Media: 9
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PR: 7
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Social & Influencer (Social & Creator): 3
Shortlists in other categories are expected to be revealed in the coming days.
With today's shortlists added, India’s Cannes Lions 2025 tally is now up to 65—and counting. With strong performances across a diverse range of categories, the country continues to build creative momentum at the festival. As the shortlists roll out day by day, India’s presence is only growing louder. So far, the only categories without any Indian shortlists are Audio & Radio, Digital Craft, Innovation, and Glass: The Lion for Change—but there’s still plenty of festival left to play out.
The Cannes Lions Awards Shows will take place from Monday, June 16 to Friday, June 20, 2025. With India already off to a strong start, all eyes are on how these entries will fare on the global stage.
