Cannes Lions has unveiled its 2026 program, which will bring together a diverse community of global creative leaders and changemakers across five days this June. During this year’s Festival, Oprah Winfrey will be honored as the 2026 Cannes LionHeart--one of the Festival’s highest honors, celebrating an individual who has used their platform to drive meaningful and lasting positive change. Winfrey will deliver a talk on the Lumière Theatre stage at 10am, Tuesday, June 23, ahead of being presented the LionHeart Award at the Awards Show that evening. A global media leader, producer, philanthropist, actress and author, Winfrey has spent decades shaping culture and connecting audiences. From redefining daytime television with The Oprah Winfrey Show to building platforms that amplify underrepresented voices, her work continues to bridge storytelling and impact. Philip Thomas, chair, Lions, said, “Oprah Winfrey’s influence extends far beyond media. She has consistently used her platform to elevate others, challenge perspectives and inspire change. Her sustained commitment to using influence responsibly has helped create opportunities for others while broadening understanding on a global scale--embodying the true spirit of the LionHeart Award.” Spanning multiple content streams, including the new Cannes Lions Deconstructed stream, this year’s Festival program reflects the breadth of today’s creative landscape – from innovation and technology to culture, talent and impact. Natasha Woodwal, director of content, Lions, said, “The 2026 program has been designed to reflect how our industry really works today. We’ve expanded the breadth of formats to encourage deeper participation, from debates and roundtables to interactive workshops and... Read More