India at Cannes

What makes Cannes Lions the most awaited awards festival? In terms of size, it is easily the biggest advertising awards festival there is in the world. In terms of execution, its pre- and post-awards activities ensure that it is talked about through the year. And the event itself, we are assured by so many that have been there, is simply the best there is.

The International Advertising Festival -- Cannes Lions - is now in its 53rd year.

Over 10,000 visitors from the advertising and allied industries headed to Cannes for a week, from June 18, to attend and celebrate the best of creativity, discuss industry issues and network. A record 24,863 entries from 81 countries competed for the coveted Lions.

Let's look at how India has fared over the years:

• Indian wins in 2002: Two Gold Lions and one Silver Lion
• Indian wins in 2003: Three Gold Lions, two Silver Lions and one Bronze Lion - the highest ever for India till then
• Indian wins in 2004: Four Bronze Lions
• Indian wins in 2005: Two Silver Lions, One Bronze
• 2006: Watershed of 2003 revisited, and bettered

The number of entries from India for Cannes Lions 2006 is 738, with 275 entries in the Outdoor Lions competition and 244 in Press. Represented in all the categories, the break-up is: 66 in Film, 31 in Cyber Lions, 53 in Media Lions, 47 in Lions Direct, five in Radio, 16 in the new Promo Lions competition, and one entry for the Titanium Lions. There were several Indians on the juries this year too.