Young Lions Australia registrations close this Thursday 5 February at midnight AEDT
Registrations for the 2026 Young Lions Australia Competition will close at midnight this Thursday 5 February, marking the final opportunity for emerging advertising, marketing, media, digital and PR professionals to enter.
Presented by Advertising Council Australia, Young Lions is for anyone aged 30 or under, giving teams of two the chance to tackle a real client brief across five categories, compete against Australia’s top emerging talent, and represent the country at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June.
Hannah Sturrock, National Head of Engagement at Advertising Council Australia, says Young Lions is not just for creatives but anyone who wants to test themselves on a global stage: “Every year we hear the same hesitations, that it’s only for certain roles, somewhat intense, or for a certain skillset.
“The reality is that Young Lions is designed to reward strategic thinking, rapid ideas, and courage, no matter what discipline you work in. If you’re considering entering, and with just a few days to go, now is the time to confirm your partner and sign up for 2026.”
Following the close of registrations, the official competition brief will be issued on 12 February, marking the start of teamwork, live presentations, and judging, and will conclude with the announcement of the 2026 Australian Young Lions winners in late March.
The winning teams will then be flown to Cannes and hosted over the week-long festival to compete against the world’s best emerging creatives, filmmakers, and media, marketing and PR professionals.
Key dates: Young Lions Australia 2026
On-time registrations close: Midnight AEDT, 5 February 2026
Competition brief issued: 12 February
Entries due: 15 February
Finalists announced: 19 March
Live judging & winners announced: 27 March
Australian winners compete in Cannes: 22 – 26 June
Learn more and register here.
Register for FREE HERE and receive the Campaign Brief Daily Bulletin and/or the global Best Ads Best of the Week Bulletin. Subscribe to Campaign Brief Magazine.
#More Creative News #No paywalls #No annual membership fees
Subscribe to Portfolio & Reel for current listings of Australian and NZ ad agency and production company leadership and key personnel