India’s Digital Storytelling Powerhouses Make Waves at Cannes Lions 2025
India’s growing dominance in the realm of social-first campaigns and creator-led storytelling has earned global recognition at the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025. Demonstrating the strength of its digital acumen, three standout campaigns from leading Indian agencies have collectively earned shortlists in the Social & Creator Lions category.
This achievement underscores the country’s evolving mastery in leveraging influencer culture, native content, and platform-specific creativity to craft compelling brand narratives. Whether through emotionally resonant storytelling or high-impact creator collaborations, India continues to redefine how brands connect with audiences in the digital age—proving that creativity, when fused with cultural insight and innovation, knows no boundaries.
The Indian shortlists reflect a dynamic mix of sharp audience insight, clever humour, and impactful brand collaborations-
- WONDRLAB INDIA, Mumbai, earned a shortlist for “THE RIGHT SIGNS” for Josh in the C03 – Creator Collaboration sub-category. This nomination acknowledges the effective and creative partnership with creators to amplify brand messaging.
- Ogilvy, Mumbai, secured a shortlist for “ERASE VALENTINE’S DAY” for Mondelez (Cadbury 5 Star Chocolate) in the F05 – Use of Humour sub-category. This recognition celebrates the campaign’s clever use of humor to engage consumers on social platforms.
- Also in the F05 – Use of Humour sub-category, BBH INDIA, Mumbai, was shortlisted for “BASSI VS MEN’S FACEWASH” for Garnier (Facewash). This shortlist commends the campaign’s effective and humorous approach to connecting with its target audience.
These three shortlists highlight the vibrant evolution of Indian advertising—marked by a sharp grasp of social media culture and the strategic use of creative collaborations to spark meaningful engagement. As the Cannes Lions Festival progresses, anticipation builds across the industry, with hopes high that these boundary-pushing campaigns will transform their shortlist honours into coveted Lions wins.
