Cannes Lions 2026: India secures one shortlist in Brand Experience & Activation

India has secured one shortlist across the two categories unveiled today at Cannes Lions 2026—Creative Data and Brand Experience & Activation. The sole shortlist comes in Brand Experience & Activation, while India failed to make the cut in Creative Data.

With today’s announcement, India’s overall shortlist tally stands at 18 across the 24 categories revealed so far.

Brand Experience & Activation: 1 Shortlist

India’s only shortlisted entry today is The Slooowest Vending Machine in the World for KitKat by VML Gurgaon and VML Amsterdam.

The campaign has been shortlisted in the Customer Acquisition & Retention category under Brand Experience & Activation. Built around KitKat’s enduring ‘Have a Break’ proposition, the campaign transformed a vending machine into an intentionally slow dispenser, encouraging consumers to pause and embrace the value of taking a genuine break.

India did not secure any shortlist entries in Creative Data.

How India Fared in These Categories in 2025

Last year, India enjoyed a significantly stronger showing in both categories. In Creative Data, the country secured four shortlists and went on to win a Gold Lion for Acko Tailor Test for Acko Health Insurance by Leo India.

In Brand Experience & Activation, India earned eight shortlists and brought home three Lions. FCB India won Gold for Lucky Yatra for Indian Railways, while Ogilvy India and Leo India secured Bronze Lions for Eye Test Menu for Titan Company and Acko Tailor Test for Acko Health Insurance, respectively.

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2026 got underway today in Cannes, France. Winners in Creative Data and Brand Experience & Activation will be announced later this week as the festival continues through June 26.