Apple takes centre stage

Entertainment will also take centre stage in 2026, with Apple’s senior vice-president of services and health, Eddy Cue, being named Cannes Lions Entertainment Person of the Year. The award recognises individuals whose work has helped redefine the role of entertainment within the broader marketing and communications landscape.

Few executives have had a greater influence on the convergence of technology, media and storytelling than Cue. Overseeing Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple Books, Apple News and the company’s sports and services ecosystem, he has helped build one of the world’s most influential entertainment platforms. Under his leadership, Apple TV has become one of the industry’s most critically acclaimed streaming services, producing titles including The Studio, Severance and Ted Lasso, while Apple Original Films is now a major force in global cinema.

Announcing the honour, Cook said: “Eddy Cue has consistently pushed the boundaries of entertainment and storytelling, building platforms and experiences that have redefined how audiences engage with culture.” The recognition also reflects Apple’s growing creative influence within the Festival itself. In 2025, the company was named Cannes Lions Creative Marketer of the Year and collected the Creative Effectiveness Grand Prix for its long-running ‘Shot on iPhone’ platform. Cue will appear on the Lumière Theatre stage on Monday, June 22, for a keynote conversation alongside legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer before collecting the award during that evening’s Cannes Lions Awards Show.