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WPP Named Cannes Lions Creative Company of the Year for 2025
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WPP has clinched the Creative Company of the Year title at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for the second year running, solidifying its position as a global leader in advertising and marketing [2]. The win arrives as CEO Mark read prepares to step down at the end of 2025, marking a high point in his leadership [2].
WPP’s Triumphant Performance at Cannes Lions 2025
The Creative Company of the Year award is determined by the total points earned by a holding company’s agencies for shortlisted and winning entries. WPP’s agencies collectively secured an impressive 168 Lions at the festival [2].
Did You Know? WPP’s Mindshare also achieved the joint highest points tally in the Media Network of the Year category.
The breakdown of WPP’s awards includes a coveted Titanium Lion, 10 Grand Prix, 23 Gold Lions, 53 Silver Lions, and 81 Bronze Lions, showcasing the breadth and depth of creative excellence across its network [2].
Key Winning Campaigns
Several standout campaigns contributed to WPP’s success. Ogilvy’s “Make Love Last” for Viatris secured a Grand Prix in Pharma, while “Vaseline Verified” for Unilever earned a Titanium Lion and two Grand Prix awards in the Social & Creator and Health & Wellness categories. Other notable wins included DAVID’s “Haaland Payback Time” for Supercell, and VML’s “Preserved Promos” for Ziploc.
Pro Tip: Analyzing award-winning campaigns can provide valuable insights into current trends and effective strategies in advertising and marketing.
Mindshare and Dove’s “Real Beauty Redefined for the AI Era” won the Grand Prix for Media, and AKQA’s “Sounds Right” for UN Live and Spotify secured the Innovation Grand Prix. VML and OpenMind’s “Phone Break” for KitKat won the first grand Prix for the Czech Republic in Outdoor.
Ogilvy U.K. also contributed to Dove’s success with the “Real Beauty: Self-Esteem Project,” which won the Glass Lion for Change, highlighting the industry’s focus on purpose-driven campaigns.
Strategic Focus and Leadership Transition
WPP’s victory at cannes Lions 2025 comes at a pivotal time for the company. The organization is sharpening its focus on its media division and artificial intelligence (AI) tools amidst a challenging economic landscape. This win also coincides with Mark Read’s final Cannes Lions as CEO, as he prepares to step down in December [1].
In a statement, Read acknowledged the win as a “tribute to the extraordinary talent and passion” of WPP’s people and the trust of their clients. He added that celebrating this achievement at his last Cannes Lions as CEO made it “doubly special.”
Cannes Lions 2025: Other Key Winners
While WPP took home the top prize, other agencies and networks were also recognized for their outstanding achievements at Cannes Lions 2025. Omnicom’s DDB won Network of the Year, and Publicis Conseil was named Agency of the Year. OMD Worldwide secured the title of Media Network of the Year.
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Creative Company of the Year | WPP |
| Network of the Year | DDB (Omnicom) |
| Agency of the Year | Publicis Conseil |
| Media Network of the Year | OMD Worldwide |
What impact will AI have on future Cannes Lions winners? How will WPP maintain its creative edge during its leadership transition?
Evergreen Insights: The Enduring Value of Creativity
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has long been a benchmark for excellence in the advertising and marketing industries. Winning a Lion, especially the Creative Company of the year award, signifies a company’s ability to consistently deliver innovative and impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences worldwide. As the industry evolves, the emphasis on authentic human creativity, amplified by technology, becomes increasingly crucial.
FAQ: Cannes Lions and Creative Excellence
What is the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity?
the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is an annual event that celebrates creativity in communications. It brings together professionals from around the world to network, learn, and recognize outstanding work in advertising, marketing, and related fields.
How are the Cannes Lions awards judged?
the awards are judged by a panel of industry experts who evaluate entries based on their creativity, originality, strategy, and impact. The judging process is rigorous and aims to identify the most innovative and effective campaigns from around the globe.
Why is winning a Cannes Lion critically important?
Winning a Cannes Lion is a prestigious achievement that can enhance a company’s reputation,attract new clients,and boost employee
