72nd Cannes Lions: First Grands Prix and German Wins in the Healthcare Track
This week, the French city of Cannes once again hosts the world’s largest advertising festival: the 72nd Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Creatives from agencies worldwide are vying for the coveted Gold, Silver, and Bronze Lions – or the ultimate honor, the Grand Prix. This year, the festival received an impressive 26,900 entries from 96 countries. Germany contributed 914 submissions, notably fewer than the up to 1,350 entries in previous years.
Following the release of the first shortlists and the initial awards ceremony on June 16, 2025, the first winners have been announced. Outstanding campaigns in Health & Wellness, Outdoor, Pharma, Print & Publishing, and Audio & Radio have been honored. The Czech Republic celebrates its very first Grand Prix win.
Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, emphasized: “It’s always a special moment to see how our juries’ work sets the global creative benchmark. The winning work proves that creativity has a tangible impact on business and society.”
In the Pharma Lions category, 9 Lions were awarded from 305 entries: 1 Gold, 3 Silver, and 4 Bronze. The Grand Prix went to ‘Make Love Last – Bedroom’ for Viatris, created by Ogilvy Shanghai. This poetic campaign captured intimate moments with artistic finesse, showcasing how science and humanity can merge seamlessly.
Franklin Williams, Pharma Lions Jury President, praised: “A quiet masterclass in storytelling – beautifully crafted, deeply emotional, and boldly subtle.”
In the Health & Wellness Lions, 33 Lions were awarded from 1,169 entries. The Grand Prix was won by ‘Vaseline Verified’ for Unilever, by Ogilvy Singapore, which scientifically tested viral beauty hacks and debunked misinformation directly for millions of followers.
Germany also made a mark in the Healthcare track: Two German works made it onto the shortlist. Hamburg-based agency Loved was shortlisted with ‘Redesigning Sex Ed’ for FAQ YOU, while Serviceplan Munich won Silver for ‘Breastmilk Money’ on behalf of Nigerian fintech startup Herconomy.
Eric Weisberg, Health & Wellness Jury President, commented: “‘Vaseline Verified’ shows how science, creativity, and influencer culture can unite to fight false narratives and truly transform lives.”
The Lions Health and United Nations Grand Prix for Good was awarded to ‘The Best Place In The World To Have Herpes’ for the New Zealand Herpes Foundation. Using humor and a unique educational approach, the campaign tackled herpes stigma and playfully boosted New Zealand’s sense of national pride.
The 72nd Cannes Lions have kicked off with powerful messages, global resonance, and a spotlight on German creativity in the Healthcare sector.