National CineMedia Celebrates Creative Brilliance: 2025 US Young Lions Competition Winners Announced

This year's competition saw an impressive turnout, with over 500 teams registering to participate, leading to a total of 359 submissions—an increase of nearly 10% from 2024. The competition featured various categories including Digital, Film, Media, PR, and Print, with five winning teams from each category set to compete as TEAM USA at the Cannes Lions Festival from June 16-20, 2025, in Cannes, France.

In addition to the traditional categories, the 2025 competition introduced two new accolades: the Young Lions Titanium Award, sponsored by StrawberryFrog, and the Bold Impact Award, sponsored by OMD USA. These additions highlight NCM's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity among young advertising professionals.

The complete list of winners, including second and third place awards in each category, is available through NCM's official channels.

The 2025 competition posed a significant challenge for participants by requiring them to develop innovative solutions for WhyHunger, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger and poverty, supporting sustainable community solutions, and advocating for food justice. The organization aims to incorporate ideas generated by the Young Lions into their upcoming campaigns, demonstrating a strong focus on social impact.

Simon Cook, CEO of Lions, expressed his gratitude towards NCM for facilitating this opportunity and praised the winners as exemplary representatives of the market's creative talent. “We look forward to welcoming them to Cannes Lions this June for the 30th anniversary of the Young Lions competition," Cook stated.

Amy Tunick, Chief Marketing Officer at NCM, emphasized the importance of youth creativity in the advertising landscape. “This year’s Young Lions embody the immense talents and innovative thinking that defines Gen Z,” she remarked. Tunick's insights reflect the growing recognition of younger generations' influence on consumer behavior.

Scott Goodson, Founder of StrawberryFrog, highlighted the significance of nurturing new talent, stating, “New talent isn't just the future of our industry – it's the catalyst that challenges our present assumptions.” His comments underline the essential role of competitions like the Young Lions in discovering and rewarding emerging creative excellence.

In a bid to celebrate the achievements of the winners, NCM’s in-house Noovie® Studios creative team produced a 60-second vignette featuring the winning teams. This video will be showcased in NCM’s network of movie theaters throughout June, offering the winners a platform to shine before they embark on their international journey in Cannes.

Additionally, NCM is set to host a TEAM USA Welcome Reception at the Cannes Lions Festival on June 16, further supporting the winners as they immerse themselves in one of the industry's most prestigious events.

With the 2025 US Young Lions competition, National CineMedia not only underscores its role as a leader in cinema advertising but also demonstrates a profound commitment to fostering the next generation of creative talent. As the winners prepare for their journey to Cannes, the industry watches with anticipation for their innovative contributions to the world of marketing and communications.