AUSTRALIA’S CREATIVE LEADERS JOIN CANNES LIONS 2026 JURIES

Cannes Lions has announced its juries for 2026, with 14 Australians selected to judge the world’s best creative work. The appointments highlight Australia’s global reputation for influential ideas and creative excellence, reinforcing its standing as a hub of world-class talent across advertising, design, brand experience, and innovation.

Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has unveiled its juries for 2026, with Australia once again making a strong mark on the global stage. Fourteen Australians have been appointed to help judge the world’s best creative work, underscoring the nation’s reputation for producing influential ideas and exceptional talent across the communications industry.

Tony Hale, CEO of the Australian Communications Council (ACA), welcomed the announcement, saying: “Australia has long earned a reputation for producing influential ideas and world-class people, and it’s fantastic to see that recognised again through this year’s jury appointments.” His words reflect the pride felt across the industry as Australian professionals continue to shape global creative standards.

The appointments span a wide range of categories, showcasing the breadth of expertise within Australia’s creative community. Simon Langley, Chief Creative Officer at Bastion, will serve on the Audio & Radio jury, while Amy Weston, Executive Creative Director at Clemenger BBDO, joins the Brand Experience & Activation panel. Rose Herceg, President AUNZ at WPP, has been named to the Creative Brand jury, and Clare Pickens, CEO of Leo Australia, will contribute to Creative Business Transformation.

Brent Smart, Chief Marketing Officer at Telstra, has been selected for Creative Effectiveness, while Ben Miles, Chief Design Officer APAC at R/GA Australia, will judge Design. Tim Devine, Global Chief Invention Officer at AKQA, joins the Digital Craft jury, and Jason Williams, Chief Creative Officer and Head of Creative Excellence APAC & MEA at Publicis Groupe ANZ, will serve on Entertainment.

Micah Walker, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Bear Meets Eagle On Fire, has been appointed to the Film jury, while Pip Smart, Partner and Executive Producer at Revolver, will chair the Film Craft jury. Amanda Fuller, Managing Partner at Omnicom Health, joins Health & Wellness, and Ryan Wallman, Executive Creative Director at WELLMARK, will judge Pharma. Simone Gupta, Co-Founder of Supermassive, has been named to the PR jury, and Rob Galluzzo, CEO of FINCH Company, will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals category.

Together, these appointments highlight the diversity and strength of Australia’s creative industry, reinforcing its influence on the global stage. As the Cannes Lions Festival approaches, the presence of Australian jurors promises to bring fresh perspectives and uphold the country’s legacy of innovation, excellence, and world-class creativity.