LIONS 2025 Global Rankings Report: Motion Sickness named #1 Pacific Agency; Bear Meets Eagle On Fire ranks in at #2; VML Australia #3

Cannes Lions has released its 2025 Global Rankings and Creativity Reports, with Motion Sickness taking out the top spot – named the leading agency across the Pacific region and ranked among the world’s top five independent agencies.

Motion Sickness has ranked in at #1 followed by Bear Meets Eagle On Fire in at #2, VML Australia in at #3, DDB New Zealand in at #4 and DDB Sydney in at #5. Special New Zealand has taken the #6 spot followed by The Ministry for Communication & the Arts in at #7, Droga5 Australia in at #8, Ogilvy Australia in at #9 and +61 in at #10.

Bear Meets Eagle On Fire has ranked #3 Independent Agency in the world after a standout year at Cannes Lions where it took out the #1 Independent Agency of the Year title for Craft.

Motion Sickness continues its rise on the global stage, earning recognition from the world’s most prestigious creative benchmark, the Cannes Lions Global Creativity Report. This year’s result helps cement Motion Sickness’ reputation as one of the most progressive and impactful independent agencies operating today.

Cannes Lions Pacific Agency of the Year 2025 rankings:

Cannes Lions Independent Agency of the Year 2025 rankings:

Says Alex McManus, Partner and GM at Motion Sickness: “It means a lot to this team. We’ve always believed great creativity can come from anywhere – and it’s pretty incredible to see that belief recognised on the world’s biggest stage. We’re proud of the work, proud of the people, and proud to be part of a region that’s punching well above its weight creatively.”

Among the standout wins this year is Motion Sickness’s campaign for the New Zealand Herpes Foundation “Make New Zealand the Best Place in the World to Have Herpes”, which grabbed two Grand Prix awards as part of the 2025 Cannes Lions haul including the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Good and the Cannes Lions Health and United Nations Grand Prix for Good.

Motion Sickness’ recognition by Cannes Lions caps a year of standout creative output and international attention. The agency’s work spans brand platforms, campaigns, and cultural moments across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Known for ideas that cut through culture and connect with people, Motion Sickness continues to redefine what it means to be an independent agency on the world stage.

View the Cannes Lions 2025 Global Rankings Report here.

Top 5 rankings

Creative Company of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. WPP
2. Omnicom
3. Interpublic Group
4. Publicis Group
5. Havas

Network of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. DDB Worldwide
2. Ogilvy
3. FCB
4. VML
5. LEO

Media Network of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. OMD Worldwide
2. Mindshare
3. PHD Worldwide
4. Carat
5, Wavemaker

Independent Network of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. Serviceplan Group
2. Rethink
3. Wieden+Kennedy
4. Edelman
5. Special

Health Network of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. FCB Health
2. Real Chemistry
3. Ogilvy Health
4. Havas Health Network
5. Klick Health

Agency of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. Publicis Conseil, Paris
2. Africa Creative DDB, São Paulo
3. FCB Chicago
4. GUT, São Paulo
5. Serviceplan Germany, Munich

Independent Agency of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. Serviceplan Germany, Munich
2. Rethink, Toronto
3. Bear Meets Eagle On Fire
4. Artplan, São Paulo
5. Motion Sickness, Auckland

Healthcare Agency of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. Area 23, New York
2. 21Grams, New York
3. Ogilvy Health, New York
4. Eversana Intouch, New York
5. Havas Lynx, Manchester

Palme d’Or – View the full rankings here
1. Revolver, Australia
2. Iconoclast, USA
3. Biscuit Filmworks, UK
4. FINCH, Australia
5. 456 Studios, USA

Creative Brand of the Year – View the full rankings here
1. AXA
2. Dove
3. Vaseline
4. Apple
5. Indian Railways

View all of the New Zealand winners from Cannes Lions 2025 here.

View all of the Australian winners from Cannes Lions 2025 here.

View the Cannes Lions 2025 Global Creativity Report here.