Cannes Lions content line-up revealed, with Serena Williams among headliners

THE CANNES Lions International Festival of Creativity has launched its 2025 content programme, showcasing a world-class line-up of global thought leaders, pioneering brands and cultural changemakers. Names confirmed include Apple; Duolingo; Jon M Chu; McDonald’s Morgan Flatley; Neal Mohan; and Reckitt with Serena Williams.

Natasha Woodwal, director of content, LIONS, said: “This year's programme reflects the immense transformation underway in the creative industries. From a record number of content proposals, we’ve curated a dynamic agenda that brings together the sharpest minds, the most pioneering brands, and the cultural disruptors shaping our future. Built around five content streams, the programme is designed to help our community navigate the topics, skills and trends shaping the future of our industry.”

The content programme’s five streams are:

Innovation Unwrapped, which focuses on the pioneers, tech and transformations that are already shaping tomorrow. Diving into the world of impact-driven innovation, the stream will include Reckitt and global sports icon and businesswoman Serena Williams – and star of a number of big-brand advertising campaigns – in discussion on how businesses, investors and change-makers can lead the way through fresh ideas, diverse voices and reimagined systems.

Serena Williams on the set of the 2025 Lincoln Navigator, Mic Drop commercial filmed in downtown West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. Photo: Palm Beach Country FTC

The Creativity Toolbox, which examines the craft, processes and techniques behind creative excellence. P&G presents Timeless Creativity, with Marc Pritchard, a talk that will delve into the lessons brands can learn from timeless creative campaigns and the ongoing challenge of building lasting brands. Another key session from Burlesque The Musical will look at stage stories that ignite engagement. Featuring Broadway producers Sue Gilad and Larry Rogowsky, the session will provide a masterclass on how Broadway musicals both entertain and inspire fierce loyalty.

Creative Impact, which serves as the ultimate guide to proving the value and effectiveness of creativity. Apple’s Tor Myhren will discuss how its innovative marketing strategies continue to set new standards for creativity and brand building. The popular CMOs in the Spotlight strand will shine a light on influential marketing leaders such as McDonald’s Morgan Flatley, Kenneth Lim from the Singapore Tourism Board, and Heineken Brazil’s Cecilia Bottai-Mondino.

Talent and Cultures, which is dedicated to showcasing the people and practices behind creative organisations that thrive. The Zebedee Talent and The MosaiQs seminar will see Laura Winson, Charlotte Marian Pearson, Emma Lines and Natalie-Amber Freegard take to the stage to discuss the inclusion revolution. Additionally, the MORE GRLS workshop will provide a negotiation playbook for women in creativity, led by Laura Florence, Larissa Zucatelli and Camila Moletta.

Insights and Trends, which focuses on the shifting consumer behaviours, cultural forces, and business imperatives that are influencing creative decision-making. The stream will include sessions like F5 Shanghai’s ‘The Globalisation of Chinese Brands’, where Adams Fan, Yang Zhang and Renee Huang will explore the opportunities and challenges for Chinese brands in an interconnected global market.

Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “The 2025 programme will dive deeper than ever before into the strategic, cultural, and technological factors influencing creativity at a global scale. It’s representative of a multifaceted industry that is using the entire breadth of creativity to drive progress and business growth.”

The Festival will run from 16 to 20 June in Cannes, France, offering delegates more than 150 hours of content featuring around 500 influential speakers. The full programme can now be viewed at www.canneslions.com.