News & Press / June 16, 2025

ICOM Agencies Make Their Mark at Cannes Lions 2025

As the global creative community turns its gaze to Cannes, ICOM proudly celebrates the bold ideas and boundary-pushing campaigns submitted by member agencies to the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. This year, ICOM member agencies are showcasing diverse creative work from healthcare campaigns to social advocacy.

From Seattle to San Juan, Tbilisi to Louisville, ICOM agencies have stepped onto the global stage with work that moves minds and changes culture:

 

DNA&STONE (USA) showcases human-centered storytelling in "Scary Not Scary Question" for Seattle Children's Hospital and "Aging is Life" for Aegis Living. 

 

Leavingstone (Georgia) partners with UN Women on the compelling entry "Change Has a Female Voice," spotlighting the power of women-led change.

 

Lewis Communications (USA) toasts tradition with innovation through “World Bourbon Toast” for the Kentucky Distillers' Association and Kentucky Bourbon Trail®”.

 

Lopito, Ileana & Howie (Puerto Rico) continues its impactful advocacy with “Pancakes Against Breast Cancer” for the American Cancer Society, showing that creativity can save lives—and breakfast.

 

Adding to the excitement, Facundo Paglia, Chief Creative Officer of Lopito, Ileana & Howie, is serving on the Cannes Lions jury this year. His selection honors the depth of talent within our network and highlights the essential role independent voices play in global creative conversations.

 

From Budapest to Cannes, young ICOM talent is stepping into the spotlight. Hungarian member agency Artificial Group celebrates a stellar performance in the national Young Lions competition—earning five podium finishes and sending two standout teams to compete globally at Cannes: one in the Print category and one in PR.


A big congratulations goes to our Spanish member agency, Darwin & Verne, for earning a shortlist in the Cannes Lions 2025 Film Craft category for their striking animated short “Eco-ilógico”, created for SEO/BirdLife. The film’s on-screen artistry and environmental message have captured international attention—using a whimsical, nature-inspired narrative to highlight the contradictions between ecological values and everyday behaviors.

 

"As Cannes celebrates the pinnacle of global creativity, we’re incredibly proud of the work our member agencies are putting forward,” said Emma Keenan, ICOM President and CEO. “From innovative healthcare campaigns to powerful social advocacy, ICOM agencies bring local insight with world-class impact. We’re looking forward to connecting, sharing, and championing the role of independent agencies on the world stage.”

 

About ICOM

ICOM is the global network of independent advertising and marketing communication agencies, connecting more than 70 agencies across 50 countries. ICOM's mission is to create opportunities for growth by fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise among its members. Together, ICOM agencies deliver world-class creative and strategic solutions while maintaining their independence, contributing to a dynamic network that celebrates diversity, adaptability, and excellence.