Cannes Lions Tightens Standards; Content Strategies Face Reckoning

Jun 20 — Jun 21, 2026

Cannes Lions entries plummeted 25%+ as stricter judging rules took effect, while major brands like AB InBev and Coke vie for the new Creative Brand Lions category. Meanwhile, SEO best practices from 2019 are now actively harming rankings as Google's algorithm continues to evolve.

Category Spotlights

Awards & Industry Events

3 changes

Cannes Lions' stricter entry requirements are reshaping the competitive landscape, with the inaugural Creative Brand Lions category attracting major CPG players.

Mentioned:Cannes LionsAB InBevCoca-Colae.l.f.M&M's

Sources:

Cannes Lions entries drop more than 25% as stricter rules kick in
AB InBev, Coke, e.l.f., M&M's and others make the inaugural Creative Brand Lions shortlist

Search & SEO

2 changes

Outdated content frameworks are now penalizing rankings as Google's algorithm shifts, while ongoing deindexing reports suggest broader indexing volatility.

Mentioned:GoogleSEOContent Strategy

Sources:

The Content Framework That Worked In 2019 Is Now Working Against You
Deindexing Reports Keep Coming, Google Sees Nothing Unusual