Young Aussies Urged to Enter Young Lions Before Thursday

Registrations for the 2026 Young Lions Australia Competition will close at midnight this Thursday, February 5th, marking the final opportunity for emerging advertising, marketing, media, digital, and PR professionals to enter.

Presented by Advertising Council Australia, Young Lions is for anyone aged 30 or under, giving teams of two the chance to tackle a real client brief across five categories, compete against Australia’s top emerging talent, and represent the country at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in June.

Hannah Sturrock, national head of engagement at Advertising Council Australia, said, "Young Lions is not just for creatives but anyone who wants to test themselves on the global stage.

“Every year we hear the same hesitations, that it’s only for certain roles, somewhat intense, or for a certain skillset.

"The reality is that Young Lions is designed to reward strategic thinking, rapid ideas, and courage, no matter what discipline you work in. If you’re considering entering, and with just a few days to go, now is the time to confirm your partner and sign up for 2026.”

Following the close of registrations, the official competition brief will be issued on February 12th, marking the start of teamwork, live presentations, and judging, and will conclude with the announcement of the 2026 Australian Young Lions winners in late March.

The winning teams will then be flown to Cannes and hosted over the week-long festival to compete against the world’s best emerging creatives, filmmakers, and media, marketing, and PR professionals.

Key dates: Young Lions Australia 2026

On-time registrations close: Midnight AEDT, February 5th 2026

Competition brief issued: February 12th

Entries due: February 15th

Finalists announced: March 19th

Live judging & winners announced: March 27th

Australian winners compete in Cannes: June 22 – 26th

Learn more and register here.