In a powerful recognition of India’s rising influence in global creative leadership, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has announced its prestigious 2025 Awarding Jury line-up—and it proudly includes a remarkable group of creative minds from India. These jurors will play a vital role in evaluating and awarding the world’s best creative work from June 16–20, 2025, in Cannes, France.
From advertising legends to data-driven innovators, India’s representation this year cuts across disciplines and brings a diverse and dynamic perspective to the global jury rooms. Here’s a closer look at the Indian talents shaping the creative benchmarks for the year:
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Josy Paul, Chairperson and Chief Creative Officer, BBDO India – serving as Jury President for the Sustainable Development Goals Lions, marking a proud moment for India’s commitment to purpose-driven creativity.
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Russell Barrett, Chief Creative Experience Officer, TBWA\India – on the Brand Experience & Activation Lions Jury.
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Vikram Pandey, Chief Creative Officer, Leo – representing India on the Creative Data Lions Jury.
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Mahima Mathur, Creative Director, DDB Mudra Group – selected for the Design Lions Jury.
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Prasoon Joshi, Chairman – APAC, McCann Worldgroup – returning to the global stage as part of the Entertainment Lions Jury.
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Harshad Rajadhyaksha, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India – joining the Entertainment Lions for Music Jury.
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Murtuza Madraswala, Head of Marketing, Content & Communications, NBA India – representing India on the Entertainment Lions for Sport Jury.
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Harman Dhillon, Executive Director – Beauty & Wellbeing, Hindustan Unilever – part of the Glass: The Lion for Change Jury.
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Prasanth Kumar, CEO South Asia, GroupM Media India – on the Media Lions Jury.
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Pallavi Chakravarti, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Fundamental – on the Outdoor Lions Jury.
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Archana Jain, CEO, PR Pundit Havas Red – contributing to the PR Lions Jury.
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Mayuresh Dubhashi, Chief Creative Officer, FCB India – joining the Social & Creator Lions Jury.
Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, emphasized the importance of the jury’s role: “This year’s line-up brings together some of the most highly respected and accomplished industry talent from around the world. Their expertise will help define the creative standards that continue to drive our industry forward.”
Adding to that, Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, LIONS, noted, “We’re welcoming Jury members from 52 markets this year, including first-time representation from Ivory Coast and Kazakhstan, along with our highest-ever representation from Africa, Asia and the Middle East.”
