News / 27 May 2025
Marketing Communications students shortlisted for Cannes Future Lions competition
BA (Hons) Marketing Communications
Four BA (Hons) Marketing Communications students have been shortlisted for the AKQA Cannes Future Lions competition 2025.
Future Lions is an annual global competition in partnership with AKQA, The Wall Street Journal, and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, which celebrates progressive ideas from young creatives.
This year’s competition marks the 20th anniversary of AKQA’s Future Lions. Many winners have gone on to win Young Lions, Cannes Lions, and have become members of the Cannes Lions jury. Our students have won awards or been shortlisted many times in previous years.
This year young creatives were asked to unleash their 'Lion Within'. Students were given a brief that asked them to think up new ways to connect audiences to brands, specifically in ways that were unimaginable just three years ago.
Students Hollie Spooner, Lizzie Day, Katy Hartley and Sonny Terruli have all been shortlisted for an award this year. Hollie and Lizzie currently work as a creative team and worked together on their shortlisted project. The pair recently won a D&AD pencil too!
"We couldn't believe it! Two successes in two days was amazing! Just to be shortlisted is an honour. We are so proud, and can't wait to see what happens with Cannes."
Hollie Spooner, BA (Hons) Marketing Communications student
Katy Hartley and Sonny Terruli also work as a creative team, and they worked together on another shortlisted project.
"Thrilled to be shortlisted for Future Lions this year. It's surreal to know our idea stood out on a global stage. Whatever happens next, it's a big step forward and a boost of confidence."
Sonny Terruli, BA (Hons) Marketing Communications student
The four winning ideas will be revealed at AKQA at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on 20 June 2025, with each team receiving the prestigious Future Lions trophy.