Cannes Lions has unveiled the full roster of jurors for its highly anticipated 2025 Awards, spotlighting an unprecedented level of representation from the MENA region. This move underscores the growing creative prowess and strategic significance of the Middle East and North Africa on the world’s most prestigious stage for advertising and marketing excellence.

A total of 52 countries will be represented across nine judging tracks, making this one of the most globally diverse juries in the Festival’s history. Newcomers Ivory Coast and Kazakhstan join the mix, while participation from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East reaches record highs.

MENA’s presence is especially notable with an impressive lineup of regional talent selected across a broad spectrum of categories:

• Manasvi Gosalia, Executive Producer at Dejavu, UAE, will judge the Film Lions.
• Dida Atassi, Managing Director at Accenture Song, UAE, sits on the Design Lions jury.
• Paulo Engler, Senior Creative Director at FP7 McCann, UAE, contributes to the Digital Craft Lions.
• Ali Ali, Co-Founder and Film Director at Good People Films, Egypt, joins the Film Craft Lions.
• Lara Assouad, Executive Creative Director at Landor Middle East, will evaluate Industry Craft Lions entries.
• Ramzy Abouchacra, Media Practice President at Dentsu MENA, will lend his expertise to the Media Lions.
• Natalie Shardan, Managing Partner at Serviceplan Middle East, UAE, will judge Brand Experience & Activation Lions.

The jury also includes prominent figures such as Khaled AlShehhi of the UAE Government Media Office, Mohammed Jefri from Saudi Arabia’s HungerStation, and Nada Abisaleh, Head of Leo Burnett Beirut, representing the Glass: The Lion for Change category.

Simon Cook, CEO of LIONS, highlighted the importance of this diverse jury: “The Cannes Lions Awarding Jury plays a vital role in setting the global benchmark for creative excellence. This year’s line-up brings together some of the most highly respected and accomplished industry talent from around the world.”

Marian Brannelly, Global Director of Awards, added, “We’re delighted to bring such a breadth of voices and perspectives into the Jury rooms, and we thank all of our Jurors in advance for the dedication and care they bring to the process.”

The 2025 Festival, scheduled for June 16-20 in Cannes, will see these jurors evaluating the world’s most innovative and impactful creative work across nine tracks — from Classic and Craft to Health, Entertainment, and Titanium.

This year’s jury announcement not only celebrates the Festival’s commitment to diversity and inclusion but also affirms the MENA region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of creativity on a global scale.