YOUNG LIONS FINLAND 2026 announces 19 entries for the shortlist
Young Lions Finland 2026 has announced 19 shortlisted entries from this year’s competition, where 38 teams submitted 55 works across six categories. Responding to a brief from Supercell and (RED), the competition continues its mission to find the future stars who will represent Finland at the international Cannes Young Lions Competitions.
A total of 38 teams participated in this year’s Young Lions Finland competition, submitting 55 entries across all categories. From these, 19 entries were selected for the shortlist. Two teams made the shortlist in two different categories.
Young Lions Finland competition is looking for the future stars of the marketing and communications industry to represent Finland at the international Cannes Young Lions Competitions.
This year, the young professionals competed in six categories: Digital, Film, Marketers, Media, PR and Print with Print being overwhelmingly the most popular category.
The 2026 competition brief was provided by Supercell and (RED), challenging participants to create a bold, culture-shaping campaign that engages a new generation in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Thrilled by the creativity on display this year, Jarno Luotonen, Head of Jury for Young Lions Finland 2026, commented:
– Whoa, what an epic competition! A world-class brief from a global brand – a true dream for any creative. It’s been inspiring to witness the courage, energy, thinking, and craft the Young Lions have brought to their work. I can already say with confidence that Team Finland is a strong contender at this year’s Cannes Lions.
The Jury for the 2026 competition consists of 38 creative leading professionals from Finland and international organizations.
Gold leads the way to Cannes
The winners of the Film and Print categories will be decided in closed judging sessions, while shortlisted teams in Digital, Marketers, Media, and PR will present their work to the jury before the winners will be selected.
Winners will be announced at the Young Lions Finland 2026 Awards on Thursday, April 9, at Pöllölaakso, MTV. The Gold winning teams from each category will be awarded with a pass to compete against their international counterparts in the Cannes Young Lions Competition, and to join the Cannes Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France in June 2026.
Young Lions Finland 2026 Category Partners
This competition would not be possible without the incredible support of our category sponsors, who play a vital role in championing creativity and investing in the future of our industry. For 2026, our category partners are: JCDecaux (Digital), MTV & Finnkino (Film), Supercell & Fazer (Marketers), Channel Factory (Media), United Imaginations & OP Pohjola (PR), and Kärkimedia (Print).
Young Lions Finland 2026 Shortlist
DIGITAL
HIV Positive: Ayan Aden, NORD Helsinki & Eetu Häkkilä, Accenture Song
Save the Red: Salla Huotari & Lasse Lappi, Ceedr
FILM
Playing for Good: Elisa Willman & Maria Kirjonen, The Walt Disney Company
Press Start for Someone Else: Patrik Leivonen & Seemi Peltoniemi, The Clutch Company Oy
Unequal Battlefield: Ayan Aden, NORD Helsinki & Eetu Häkkilä, Accenture Song
MARKETERS
On a lifelong Mission. Together.: Alma Kesti & Pihla Laine, Mehiläinen Oy
SHOW UP. PLAY FOR LIFE.: Kreeta Koutokangas & Laura Lempiäinen, Mehiläinen Oy
MEDIA
CODE RED: Niklas Alhainen & Vilma Oinonen, OMD Finland
Equal Spawn: Aleksi Auvinen, dentsu Finland & Ville Palmu, Dagmar
The Missing 22%: Salla Huotari & Lasse Lappi, Ceedr
PR
Ready to R(aid)?: Meri Rasila, Kaski Creative Agency & Saga Tanner, Visit Turku Archipelago Oy
Strike a Dose: Leea Hakkarainen, United Imaginations & Pihla Lemmetyinen, Freelancer
The Price of Corn: Susanna Heinonen & Tomi Salo, NoA | Bob the Robot
The (RED) Briefs: Unni Heikkilä & Alina Heino, NoA | Bob the Robot
Not all have super cells: Hilla Semeri & Emma Westerman, Wörks Oy
Red Egg: Jaani Piirainen, United Imaginations & Iskra Stambej, Freelancer
Red isn't the Enemy: Kaisa Kettunen, Generaxion & Nelli Nyman, SLIP Creative Oy
The Most Heroic Thing You'll Do Today: Amanda Schoenfeld, Amanda Jean, Ink. & Ione Rawlins, SLVD
Unfair battles can't be fought fairly: Ferat Rashidzadah & Minea Varjonen, The Clutch Company
More information: Maarit Aarrekangas, Senior Advisor, Cannes Lions Representative, Marketing Finland, tel. +358 50 435 5613, maarit.aarrekangas@marketingfinland.fi
Cannes Young Lions Competition challenges young creatives from every corner of the marketing and communications industry. The Competition is one of the best ways for the young talents to celebrate creativity on a global stage. Since 2006 Young Lions Finland competition has given young marketing professionals an opportunity to show their potential and talent. Young Lions Finland 2026 is the local competition, arranged by Marketing Finland, the official country Representative of Cannes Lions Awards, Eurobest Awards and Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in Finland.