Carat

Creativity isn't the same as media creativity. It's an important distinction and one that became impossible to ignore during this year's Cannes Lions judging process. Reviewing more than 250 entries for the Media shortlist, Rafael Urbano observed that many brilliant ideas simply weren't ideas about media. They were creative campaigns entered into a media category, rather than work where media itself was the engine of the idea. The strongest entries demonstrated something different: the creative use of the power of media, across every channel, from Search and Cinema to Print, TV and Out of Home. It's a timely reminder that media isn't where ideas end up. At its best, it's where they begin. Read Rafael's perspective from the Cannes Lions Media jury here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eHj25BUQ

As the industry continues to chase immediate outcomes, it's encouraging to see the spotlight return to a simple truth: sustainable growth is built by balancing brand and performance, not treating them as competing priorities. Great to see Anna Campbell sharing Carat's perspective, alongside industry leaders, championing the importance of planning with long-term business growth in mind and reminding us that the strongest brands are built through consistency, creativity and commercial thinking working together. Thanks to Teads for bringing together such an important discussion! 👇

Carat has been appointed by Malaysia Aviation Group as its global Media Agency of Record, bringing together media and SEO capabilities under a unified strategy, operating from Malaysia as the central global hub serving across 26 international markets. "MAG occupies a unique position as one of Malaysia's most recognised brands internationally, representing the country on some of the world's most important routes and touchpoints. We are incredibly proud to be handed this mandate, bringing together the strength of our global capabilities and Asian heritage with deep local truths, to craft strategies that resonate across markets while staying grounded in the spirit that makes Malaysia unique. Together with MAG, we look forward to creating more meaningful connections with travellers around the world and showcasing the very best of what Malaysia has to offer." - Bala Pomaleh, CEO, Media, dentsu Malaysia At its heart, the partnership brings together a shared ambition to connect Malaysia more meaningfully with the world. Carat's integrated capabilities, global network and deep understanding of audiences across markets will help transform that ambition into experiences that resonate with travellers worldwide while celebrating the spirit of Malaysia. #dentsuAPAC #dentsuSEA #agencyofrecord #AOR #media #SEO

From thought-provoking conversations to meaningful client moments, Cannes Lions 2026 reminded us that the future of media isn't built on attention alone, it's built on meaningful connections. A huge thank you to our clients, partners and teams for an inspiring week of conversations, collaboration and celebration. Until next year, Cannes💙

Some moments are too good for just one photo. 💙 Still celebrating this incredible milestone with the people who made it possible. Thank you to our clients, partners and teams around the world for helping us build meaningful connections that continue to drive growth.

The moment behind the milestone. Being named Media Network of the Year from Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is an incredible honour but it's our people who make achievements like this possible. To everyone who accepted this award on behalf of our global network, and to every team, client and partner who helped make it happen: thank you💙

This recognition belongs to our people, our clients and our partners around the world. Thank you for trusting us to build meaningful connections that drive growth💙

Media Network of the Year. Cannes Lions 2026. This recognition reflects something we have always believed- the most effective media creates meaningful connections between brands, people and culture. We're incredibly proud to be named Media Network of the Year, alongside earning 3 Gold Lions, 1 Silver Lion, 2 Bronze Lions and 3 Shortlists. More importantly, we're grateful. To our clients for their trust. To our partners for their collaboration. And to our teams around the world whose curiosity, creativity and commitment continue to push our industry forward. Thank you for helping us prove that when media is purposeful, it can make a meaningful difference 💙

Being found is one challenge. Being chosen is another. Great to see Vincenzo Riili, Chief Marketing Officer, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group | IKEA) at the #dentsubeachhouse shape the conversation on one of marketing's most important shifts: how brands stay discoverable, distinctive and trusted as AI increasingly influences how people search, compare and decide. As recommendation becomes a growing driver of choice, the opportunity lies in balancing technical precision with genuine human relevance, building brands that machines can understand and people can connect with.

Not every moment deserves a brand response. The strongest brands know the difference between reacting to culture and contributing to it. From sport and entertainment to creator partnerships, today's conversation reinforced the importance of showing up with a clear point of view, genuine purpose and the confidence to focus on the moments that matter most. Great to see Maggie Schmerin, Chief Advertising Officer, United Airlines helping shape the discussion alongside NFL’s Tim Ellis, dentsu's Beth Ann Kaminkow and Ryan Seacrest.