The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, taking place 22–26 June 2026, has announced three further Jury Presidents for the 2026 Awards. Together, they represent excellence in storytelling, craft, and impact across sport, film and healthcare:
Entertainment Lions for Sport
Shannon Washington | Chief Creative Officer and Managing Partner, 11 Ounces, Global
Film Craft
Pip Smart | Executive Producer and Partner, Revolver, Australia
Pharma
Tracey Brader | Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Remedy Edge, UK
Shannon Washington
A globally respected creative leader, Washington is known for shaping culturally resonant platforms at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and community, championing inclusive storytelling and athlete-led narratives.
On her appointment, Washington said: “Being named Jury President for the Entertainment Lions for Sport is an honor I don't take lightly. Globally, sport is one of the last truly communal experiences we have, and the creative work that lives inside it has the power to shift culture, challenge assumptions, and move people in ways that transcend the game itself.
In the Jury room, I'll be looking for work that earns its place in that conversation, with ideas that demonstrate genuine cultural intelligence, not just spectacle. I want to see campaigns that truly understand the game, the fan, the athlete, and the moment they exist in. This is the 73rd Cannes Lions, and with LIONS Sport making its debut as a dedicated forum, there's never been a more important time to set the bar high. This is what the culture of sport, and the dedicated people, brands and companies behind it deserve.”
Pip Smart
An award-winning Executive Producer and Partner at one of Australia’s most acclaimed production companies, Revolver - most recently recognised with the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Lions. Smart has overseen internationally recognised work celebrated for cinematic excellence, innovation and meticulous craft. She is widely regarded for championing directors and elevating production standards across APAC and beyond.
Smart commented: “To be invited by Cannes Lions to chair the Film Craft Jury is an enormous honour. To sit in room with a carefully curated jury of peers as they see and debate work that truly represents the best in the world is something I’m proud to do, and an opportunity I don’t take lightly. I’m continually inspired by the dedication and commitment to craft of our industry, and I feel it's never been more important to celebrate it.”
Tracey Brader
A leading voice in health communications, Brader helps global health brands navigate complex regulatory environments while delivering creative solutions that change behaviour and improve outcomes. Her work bridges science, strategy, and storytelling to make healthcare communications more human and impactful.
Brader commented: “In an era of shifting sands, when budgets are ever-more challenging, when AI can replicate, when creative thinking needs to prove it drives value, Cannes Lions has never been more vital. Being asked to be Jury President for Pharma is an honour; an opportunity to celebrate and champion work that genuinely innovates, truly engages, and changes behaviour. Because only work that does all three will succeed. But beyond the metrics, when all is said and done, one thing remains constant: only entries that make the heart race will ever be Cannes Lions worthy.”
Cannes Lions is open for Awards submissions until Thursday 9 April 2026. Read the full press release here for the 2026 Jury President line-up.
Headshots of the Jury Presidents are available for download here.
Entertainment Lions for Sport
Shannon Washington | Chief Creative Officer and Managing Partner, 11 Ounces, Global
Film Craft
Pip Smart | Executive Producer and Partner, Revolver, Australia
Pharma
Tracey Brader | Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Remedy Edge, UK
Shannon Washington
A globally respected creative leader, Washington is known for shaping culturally resonant platforms at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and community, championing inclusive storytelling and athlete-led narratives.
On her appointment, Washington said: “Being named Jury President for the Entertainment Lions for Sport is an honor I don't take lightly. Globally, sport is one of the last truly communal experiences we have, and the creative work that lives inside it has the power to shift culture, challenge assumptions, and move people in ways that transcend the game itself.
In the Jury room, I'll be looking for work that earns its place in that conversation, with ideas that demonstrate genuine cultural intelligence, not just spectacle. I want to see campaigns that truly understand the game, the fan, the athlete, and the moment they exist in. This is the 73rd Cannes Lions, and with LIONS Sport making its debut as a dedicated forum, there's never been a more important time to set the bar high. This is what the culture of sport, and the dedicated people, brands and companies behind it deserve.”
Pip Smart
An award-winning Executive Producer and Partner at one of Australia’s most acclaimed production companies, Revolver - most recently recognised with the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Lions. Smart has overseen internationally recognised work celebrated for cinematic excellence, innovation and meticulous craft. She is widely regarded for championing directors and elevating production standards across APAC and beyond.
Smart commented: “To be invited by Cannes Lions to chair the Film Craft Jury is an enormous honour. To sit in room with a carefully curated jury of peers as they see and debate work that truly represents the best in the world is something I’m proud to do, and an opportunity I don’t take lightly. I’m continually inspired by the dedication and commitment to craft of our industry, and I feel it's never been more important to celebrate it.”
Tracey Brader
A leading voice in health communications, Brader helps global health brands navigate complex regulatory environments while delivering creative solutions that change behaviour and improve outcomes. Her work bridges science, strategy, and storytelling to make healthcare communications more human and impactful.
Brader commented: “In an era of shifting sands, when budgets are ever-more challenging, when AI can replicate, when creative thinking needs to prove it drives value, Cannes Lions has never been more vital. Being asked to be Jury President for Pharma is an honour; an opportunity to celebrate and champion work that genuinely innovates, truly engages, and changes behaviour. Because only work that does all three will succeed. But beyond the metrics, when all is said and done, one thing remains constant: only entries that make the heart race will ever be Cannes Lions worthy.”
Cannes Lions is open for Awards submissions until Thursday 9 April 2026. Read the full press release here for the 2026 Jury President line-up.
Headshots of the Jury Presidents are available for download here.
