Fewer jurors for better quality

The size of the jury panels in Cannes will be reduced by 92 members across all sectors. This is intended to improve the conditions for high-quality debate, according to a statement from the organizers.

The first phase of the voting process for Promo & Activation, Media and Direct Lions will now be completed by a shortlist jury in the weeks leading up to the festival. The shortlist jury members will be selected according to the same procedure and criteria as the actual award jury members. They are also held to the same strict standards of neutrality and fairness. The number of jury panel members will also be reduced in the Film, Radio, Print & Publishing, Outdoor, Digital Craft, Creative Effectiveness and Mobile categories.

"In order to maintain the integrity of the Lions, it is central that we are able to staff the juries with the right people," said Jose Papa, managing director of Cannes Lions. After extensive discussions with former jurors and industry experts, he said, it was concluded that the number of jurors could be reduced without putting time pressure on the remaining jurors.

This year's Titan jury president, John Hegarty, founder of Bartle Bogle Hegarty, says: "Personally, I would prefer to be judged by fewer jurors who are more focused, more responsible and better qualified. Collective responsibility and quality of discussion are lost when you have too many members on a jury. Size is no guarantee of strength".

Philip Thomas, Chief Executive of Cannes Lions, added: "The standard of judging and the quality of our juries are factors that contribute significantly to the longstanding value of Cannes Lions. Keeping this value high is a priority for us.