The organisers of the 57th Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival announced that more than 24,000 entries from 90 countries, the fourth-highest level of entries ever, will be competing for the coveted Lions at this year's event, an increase of seven per cent versus last year.

"Cannes Lions reflects the communications industry and these results tell a fascinating story," said Philip Thomas, Festival CEO. "Firstly, of course, they suggest that the industry as a whole is recovering from the distress of 2009 (entries to the festival were down 20 per cent last year) and indeed they show recovery coming not only from places you would expect like Latin America or India, but also from countries like Sweden, Turkey, the UK, France and the US, all of which have picked up considerably."

New segments do better

"The figures also show different categories registering differing levels of growth. While some traditional sections are down year-on-year, there are significant increases in Media and Cyber as well as in the newer Cannes Lions sections – especially Public Relations and Promo and Activation which have grown by 32 per cent and 43 per cent respectively," Thomas said. "We look forward to welcoming the 12 juries to Cannes where they will take on the daunting task to view, judge, deliberate and honour the best creative work from the world's communications industry."

The International Advertising Festival – Cannes Lions – is the world's biggest celebration of creativity in communications. As the most prestigious international annual advertising awards, more than 22,500 entries from all over the world are showcased and judged at the festival.

The festival is also a global meeting place for advertisers, advertising and communication professionals. More than 6,000 delegates from 90 countries attend seven days of exhibitions, screenings as well as over 50 high-profile seminars, 30 workshops and master classes presented by renowned worldwide industry leaders.

Draftfcb support

The coveted Roger Hatchuel Academy at the 57th Annual Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival is this year supported by the efforts of Draftfcb – a global, behaviour-based, holistic marketing communications organisation.

Established in 2003 by the festival's former chairman – and subsequently named in his honour – the Roger Hatchuel Academy serves as an industry forum where a select group of young hopefuls from around the world can interact, view the most inspiring international advertising work, and gain valuable insights from knowledgeable industry leaders to help in their future professional pursuits.

Each year, a deserving group of advertising, communications and marketing-minded students aged between 18 and 23, drawn from 30 countries are selected by festival representatives.

Thomas said: "This is a fantastic experience and an exceptional opportunity for the academy's students which will have an immense impact on their future. We are delighted to partner with Draftfcb, which like Cannes Lions, recognises the importance of investing and nurturing the industry's next generation."

Student internships

From this year's crop of 36 students, yet another group will be selected to experience a unique Draftfcb internship: the students will be selected at the end of the Festival by representatives of the Academy and Draftfcb.

"Because Draftfcb has an unrelenting focus on creating world-class ideas that change consumer behaviour, we understand the critical need to develop fresh talent to course through our industry," stated Jonathan Harries, Draftfcb Vice-Chairman and Global Chief Creative Officer. "With our sponsorship of the Roger Hatchuel Academy, the agency remains fully invested in embracing the next generation of global advertising talent."