Young Lions Finland 2026 crowns winners – next stop: Cannes
The winners of Young Lions Finland 2026 have been announced, recognizing the country’s most promising young talent in marketing and communications. From 55 entries, six gold-winning teams across Digital, Film, Marketers, Media, PR, and Print will represent Finland at the international Young Lions Competitions and attend the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity this June.
Young Lions Finland is looking for the future stars of the marketing and communications industry to represent Finland at the international Young Lions Competitions. This year, 38 teams submitted a total of 55 entries to the competition. From these, 19 entries were shortlisted across six categories: Digital, Film, Marketers, Media, PR, and Print.
The winners were announced at the Young Lions Finland 2026 Awards on Thursday, April 9, at MTV. Six gold, six silver, two bronze, and one Grand Prix award were presented to the top teams. The gold-winning teams from each category will represent Finland at the international Young Lions Competitions and attend the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in France in June 2026.
Supercell and (RED) challenged young creatives to push boundaries
The 2026 competition brief, provided by Supercell and (RED), challenged participants to create a bold, culture-shaping campaign that inspires a new generation to join the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"Working on a brief like this is not easy, so it was impressive to see teams bring imagination, empathy and even humour to such nuanced subject matter. The best ideas understood something we believe deeply at Supercell: play can connect people, and connection can lead to real impact," said Deborah Mensah-Bonsu, Social Impact Partner at Supercell.
Greg Sheps, Chief Growth Officer at (RED), added: "We’re incredibly proud to join forces with Supercell and Young Lions Finland in a collaboration that reflects the kind of bold innovation required to meet this moment. At a time when the fight against AIDS demands renewed urgency, harnessing the power of brilliant young minds across global communities will help supercharge (RED)’s work to drive heat, mobilize new audiences, and generate the critical funding needed to see an end to the AIDS crisis."
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 Winners
DIGITAL
GOLD
HIV Positive: Ayan Aden, NORD Helsinki & Eetu Häkkilä, Accenture Song
SILVER
Save the Red: Salla Huotari & Lasse Lappi, Ceedr
FILM
GOLD
Press Start for Someone Else: Patrik Leivonen & Seemi Peltoniemi, The Clutch Company Oy
GRAND PRIX
Unequal Battlefield: Ayan Aden, NORD Helsinki & Eetu Häkkilä, Accenture Song
MARKETERS
GOLD
On a lifelong Mission. Together.: Alma Kesti & Pihla Laine, Mehiläinen Oy
SILVER
SHOW UP. PLAY FOR LIFE.: Kreeta Koutokangas & Laura Lempiäinen, Mehiläinen Oy
MEDIA
GOLD
The Missing 22%: Salla Huotari & Lasse Lappi, Ceedr
SILVER
CODE RED: Niklas Alhainen & Vilma Oinonen, OMD Finland
BRONZE
Equal Spawn: Aleksi Auvinen, dentsu Finland & Ville Palmu, Dagmar
PR
GOLD
The (RED) Briefs: Unni Heikkilä & Alina Heino, NoA | Bob the Robot
SILVER
The Price of Corn: Susanna Heinonen & Tomi Salo, NoA | Bob the Robot
GOLD
Not all have super cells: Hilla Semeri & Emma Westerman, Wörks Oy
SILVER
Red Egg: Jaani Piirainen, United Imaginations & Iskra Stambej, Freelancer
SILVER
The Most Heroic Thing You'll Do Today: Amanda Schoenfeld, Amanda Jean, Ink. & Ione Rawlins, SLVD
BRONZE
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.