The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has named France Country of the Year, an annual accolade it introduced last year that recognises a country’s “exceptional and enduring commitment to creativity that drives progress and growth,” and comes with a host of benefits.

The 2026 Cannes Lions Festival (June 22-26) will feature French creative showcases, celebratory events, dedicated stage talks and French-led activations – events supported by Publicis, Havas, the IAA and Le Club des Directeurs Artistiques.

And French pass-holders may gift one complimentary Festival pass to a French-based colleague who has never attended. 

“France’s selection reflects its long-term dedication to creativity and outstanding performance at Cannes Lions. From the artistic movements that shaped modern design to the luxury brands that define global sophistication, France has consistently demonstrated that creativity is a national philosophy that permeates business, culture, and society,” Cannes Lions noted.

Brazil was inaugural winner of the prize.

Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, stated, “France is a country with an exceptional creative output. Its rich creative heritage and outstanding performance at Cannes Lions reflect a nation that understands creativity is a strategic economic asset that can drive progress. Since 2020, the French government has invested €10bn in funding to more than 20,000 creative businesses, and its cultural and creative industries generate €92bn in annual revenue. On the global stage at Cannes Lions, France has consistently ranked in the top 10 performing countries, and last year ranked 4th. Cannes has been the Festival’s permanent home since 1984, and the spirit of this very special culture and creativity are woven into the fabric of Cannes Lions.”

France won its first Lion at the 1954 Festival, for Camay Soap, and the inaugural Grand Prix, for Vins du Postillon, in 1955. To date, France has been awarded 1603 Lions and 39 Grands Prix. In 2025, French brand, AXA, ranked #1 following an awards haul of 13, which included three Grands Prix for AXA – Three Words by Publicis Conseil, Paris. Over the years Cannes Lions has welcomed more than 250 individuals from France to sit on its juries, with 18 of these serving as jury presidents.