DDB Wins Cannes Lions Network of the Year 2025
DDB Worldwide reigns supreme, clinching the cannes Lions Network of the Year in 2025! This remarkable victory, powered by a global network dedicated to creative excellence, saw the agency haul in a stunning 112 Lions, including four coveted Grand Prix awards. DDB’s strategic prowess and innovative campaigns, such as the groundbreaking “One Second Ads” and the “Tracking Bad Bunny” initiative, underscore its commitment to impactful storytelling. The agency’s success, coupled with the recent leadership appointments and the consolidation within Omnicom, signals a dynamic future. Explore the highlights of the Cannes Lions 2025, brought to you by News Directory 3, and celebrate the creative force that defines the advertising landscape. Discover what’s next for DDB and the future of advertising!
DDB Worldwide Named Cannes Lions Network of the Year
Updated June 22, 2025
Omnicom’s DDB Worldwide has been awarded the prestigious Cannes Lions Network of the Year for 2025. This achievement caps a triumphant week for the agency, marked by four Grand Prix wins and recognition as Regional Network of the year in both Latin America and the Pacific regions. This marks the second time DDB has earned the Network of the Year title, the first being in 2023.
DDB’s 2025 performance surpassed its 2023 showing,amassing a total of 112 Lions: 20 Gold,37 Silver,and 51 Bronze,in addition to the four Grand Prix awards. DDB reclaimed the Network of the Year title from Ogilvy, the 2024 winner. Ogilvy and FCB secured second and third place, respectively, in the points-based special award category.
The win follows the appointments of Alex Lubar as CEO and Chaka Sobhani as global chief creative officer (CCO). It also comes after Omnicom consolidated its creative agencies under the Omnicom Advertising Group (OAG), led by CEO Troy Ruhanen.
Lubar credited the cannes win to a globally aligned network with a core belief: “Creativity is the most powerful force in business,” he said.
Big Wins, Big Changes
Among DDB agencies’ Grand Prix wins, Africa Creative DDB and Brazil DDB’s “One Second Ads” for Budweiser won in the Audio & Radio category. The campaign used the opening notes of songs from artists like Beyoncé and The Beatles, challenging fans to guess the songs on social media.
DDB Latina Puerto Rico received the top award in the Entertainment Lions for Music for its “Tracking Bad Bunny” campaign for rimas Entertainment. The campaign, in partnership with Google Maps and Spotify, promoted the musician’s sixth album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.”
DM9 São Paulo’s “Efficient Way to Pay” campaign for consul Appliances won the Creative Data Grand Prix. The ads converted electricity savings into currency, enabling low-income families to purchase energy-efficient refrigerators using their utility bill savings.
Africa creative DDB also secured a Grand Prix in the Sustainable Progress Goals Lions for Natura’s “The Amazon Greenventory.”
Sobhani said she hopes this is the start of much more to come from DDB. “On a personal note, I can only say it’s been the most incredible first year,” she said while accepting the award.
Omnicom’s acquisition of IPG is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2025. While industry experts anticipate consolidation and potential brand eliminations, leadership has stated that they do not plan to eliminate existing agency brands.
In other Cannes Lions categories, WPP was named Creative Company of the Year, and Publicis Conseil won Agency of the Year. OMD Worldwide, also part of Omnicom, was named Media Network of the Year, 2025.
what’s next
DDB Worldwide is expected to continue its focus on creative excellence and innovation,leveraging its global network to deliver impactful campaigns for its clients. The agency will likely play a meaningful role within the newly formed Omnicom Advertising Group.