Cannes Lions has unveiled the programme for its 2026 Festival, with Oprah Winfrey set to receive one of the event’s highest honours.
Winfrey will be awarded the Cannes LionHeart during the Festival, which runs from 22 to 26 June in Cannes. The accolade recognises individuals who have used their platform to drive meaningful and lasting positive change.
She is also scheduled to deliver a keynote on the Lumière Theatre stage ahead of the evening’s awards ceremony.
Organisers say this year’s programme reflects the evolving nature of the creative industries, bringing together voices from across media, technology, fashion and culture. The line-up includes contributors from brands and organisations such as Patagonia, Google DeepMind and Stella McCartney.
The 2026 programme is structured around six core content streams, covering areas including insights and trends, innovation, talent and culture, and creative impact. A new addition, Cannes Lions Deconstructed, will offer a live, end-of-week analysis of key themes and award-winning work from across the Festival.
Technology, particularly AI, is set to be a major focus. Sessions will explore how artificial intelligence is influencing creative processes and shaping long-term brand building. Meanwhile, discussions within the Creative Impact stream will feature industry figures such as Mark Ritson and Byron Sharp, examining the fundamentals of marketing effectiveness.
Alongside the main programme, Cannes Lions is expanding its specialist tracks. The inaugural LIONS Sport initiative will explore the growing intersection of sport, entertainment and marketing, while LIONS Creators and LIONS B2B will return with a focus on influencer ecosystems and business marketing respectively.
According to organisers, the Festival will feature more than 150 hours of content and around 500 speakers, with additional names still to be announced.
Philip Thomas, Chair, LIONS, said: “Oprah Winfrey’s influence extends far beyond media. She has consistently used her platform to elevate others, challenge perspectives and inspire change. Her sustained commitment to using influence responsibly has helped create opportunities for others while broadening understanding on a global scale – embodying the true spirit of the LionHeart Award.”
The full programme is now available, with further updates expected in the coming weeks.
