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Cannes Lions is back in person for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and since protests over systemic racism rollicked the U.S. and the world after the murder of George Floyd. The festival is acknowledging the new reality we operate in, and has highlighted “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” as one of its six so-called “priority areas” alongside themes such as technology, creativity, and talent management in the ad industry.
The festival isn’t immune from DEI issues of its own: It has faced backlash in recent years for not having enough diversity of background and thought among its speakers and judges, and for the festival organizers’ own lack of progress in representation. The organization had to issue a public apology and DEI commitmen